Bonhams|Cars is set to showcase more than 30 impressive motorcycles at the Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Sale on February 1, 2024. This event marks the motorcycle department’s return to the Grand Palais Éphémère, situated in the historic heart of Paris on the Champ-de-Mars, following the highly successful sale of the Dr. Peter and Ulrike Bühner Collection last year. The Bühner Collection is recognized as one of Europe’s most significant private collections of pioneer motorcycles.
This year’s sale will feature a remarkable selection, including Italian Grand Prix machines from the 1950s and 60s. Noteworthy highlights include:
- 1958 Moto Morini 250cc Bialbero Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle estimated at €120,000 – €160,000.
- 1956 CM 250cc Production Racing Motorcycle estimated at €20,000 – €30,000.
- c.1950 Rota 500cc Racing Motorcycle estimated at €22,000 – €28,000.
- 1953 Mondial 125cc Bialbero Racing Motorcycle estimated at €50,000 – €70,000.
- 1957 Parilla 250cc Bialbero Racing Motorcycle estimated at €40,000 – €60,000.
The Moto Morini Bialbero, dating back to 1958, was originally built in 1957 for Grand Prix racing’s 250 class. Notably, it retains its original condition with a rare, delightful patina. Similarly, the 1956 CM 250cc Production Racing Motorcycle, believed to have been ridden by prominent figures in Italian racing, remains in its current setup, having participated in the Milan-Taranto long-distance road race.
The auction also includes a c.1950 Rota 500cc Racing Motorcycle, one of the rarest Italian motorcycles, with only about 15 machines believed to have been built. Additionally, a 1953 Mondial 125cc Bialbero Racing Motorcycle, part of the Enrico Bernardi Museum collection, features chain drive to twin overhead camshafts. Finally, the 1957 Parilla 250cc Bialbero Racing Motorcycle, discovered in the USA, underwent restoration and is now offered for auction.
The Bonhams Motorcycle Department is excited to present this outstanding selection of motorcycles, particularly due to the rarity and uniqueness of having such a wide array of Italian Grand Prix motorcycles consigned. The sale follows the Motorcycles Online – The January Sale, and the next event in line is the spring sale at The International Classic MotorCycle Show in Stafford on 20-21 April, featuring a genuine 1949 Vincent-HRD 998cc Black Lightning as one of the early headline lots.
