Buyers flock to H&H Kempton Park sale for Don Leeson Suzuki collection

Don Leeson’s extensive Suzuki collection formed the core of H&H’s Kempton Park sale last Saturday (May 12), and buyers arrived in droves to bid for everything from silencers and fork assemblies to complete road and race motorcycles.

Many of the machines needed part or total restoration, but there were some obvious gems on offer. Among the most desirable were two racers - a Suzuki powered Bimota SB1 that sold well over estimate for £8,800 and a 1961 Suzuki RV61 250 that fetched £7,700.

The collection also featured a few non-Suzuki items, the most valuable of which were a couple of pioneer machines – a c1916 belt-drive Triumph 4hp Model H that markedly exceeded its estimate at £4,180 and a splendid JAP-engined 1914 Corah that also surpassed expectation in making £8,580.

Manx Norton tops other entries

H&H are handling an increasing number of Manx Nortons since recently setting the auction record for both 350 and 500cc derivatives. This sale’s 1960/61 40M (restored by Billy McCosh) fetched £17,000, while a 1947 example realised £8,580. Among the other key entries was a delightful 1967 125cc Tohatsu Road Racer. Restored only last year and offered with a number of spares, this rare machine was finally knocked down for £15,400. The sensational 1952 Vincent Comet Series C that had been the subject of a recent ‘no expense spared’ restoration made £10,460.

The star of the six bicycle lots was an 1880 Penny Farthing that sold for £1,320, while new homes were found for all bar six of the 424 items of motobilia.

The next H&H car and automobilia sale will be at Buxton on June 19/20, and the next motorcycle, bicycle and motobilia auction will be at The Imperial War Museum, Duxford on September 9/10.

For further information, visit classic-auctions.com.