Los Angeles – 24 September 2018 –Following the recent announcement of Steve McQueen's Husqvarna motorcycle from the film On Any Sunday, Bonhams auctioneers is delighted to announce the consignment of motorcycles ridden or owned by Paul Newman, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and other celebrities.
As with McQueen's "Husky," these motorcycles represent early motocross models and the out-of-doors action sought by these leading men of the silver screen. Featured will be the 1967 CZ 250 – an uncommon Czech motorcycle lauded for its off-road nimbleness – ridden by Paul Newman in the movie Sometimes a Great Notion. Peter Fonda rode a 1968 Bultaco Pursang 250 – a popular go-anywhere dirt bike from Spain – in the opening scene of Easy Rider that will be offered. And Dennis Hopper's 1970 Husqvarna 250 Cross, a Swedish make celebrated for its motocross capabilities, is also starring.
Furthermore, two other motorcycles owned by Steve McQueen – in addition to his Husqvarna – will be offered: a highly sought after 1953 Vincent Comet Series C from England and an unusual and attractive Danish 1939 Nimbus Model C Luxus with Sidecar.
And it's not just celebrity motorcycles that will be the stars in October. Other highlights include rare vintage motorcycles, such as the oldest original Vincent Black Lighting – the "holy grail" of motorcycles and the model that currently holds the world auction record; pedigree racing bikes, such as the Ducati NCR AMA Pro winner; and wonderful classics from American, European and Japanese manufacturers.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 6th at the famous Barber Motorsports Museum near Birmingham, Alabama, Bonhams' auction of collectors' motorcycles will be hosted in concert with the annual Barber Vintage Festival. To register to bid and learn more, visit bonhams.com/barber.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.