New world records for H&H at Birmingham bike sale

H&H achieved two new world motorcycle sale records at last Saturday’s (November 4) auction at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham – their third global record in successive sales.

Last time out they raised the ceiling for 350cc Manx Nortons to a tad under £24,750. Now they’ve smashed the price barrier for the 500cc-engined versions, leaving it at almost £32,000. There was certainly some determined bidding for this nicely presented 1961 example. It had been restored some 15 years ago and sported an engine built by Manx maestro Ray Petty, and loud applause rightly broke out as the hammer finally fell.

The pretty 2004 Seeley G50 MKII on offer had won the InCA Classic World Series race at the Saltzburg Ring in the hands of former British and European Champion Peter Wild. Ready to resume its competition career, it fetched more than any Seeley before it, finding a new home for just over £18,000.

The first Suzuki TR50 to come to sale for years inevitably caused considerable interest. The 1967 example offered won the British 50cc Championship in its early days and subsequently secured both the 2004 and 2005 pre-1969 Series. It sold for more than expected at £19,250.

Magnum Opus
The stars of the bicycle lots were the beautifully crafted 1987 Hetchins Magnum Opus that fetched way over estimate at almost £1,000 and the Penny Farthing that exceeded the £1,000 barrier.

Following the trend of H&H’s recent car memorabilia sales, the motorcycle related books, brochures and other paperwork sold well. Historical negatives are gaining interest too and a selection (mainly from the ’70s/’80s) made close to £400, while a Raleigh Bicycle illuminated showroom sign fetched a touch over £300.

H&H’s next motorcycle, bicycle and motobilia sale will be at Shepton Mallet on February 11, 2007. The final car sale for 2006 will take place at Buxton, Derbyshire on November 21/22.

Further information on this and all other H&H sales can be found at classic-auctions.com.