A cream-of-the-crop classic bike sale to invade Rome in October
More than 100 collectors’ motorcycles will be offered in the sale, covering decades of international motorcycling history, including a selection of the museum’s own sports and competition machines.
This one is for the serious classic bike collector.
Bonhams Motorcycles’ first sale in Italy, Passione Moto, will take place on the weekend of October 1 and 2 at the world-renowned Moto dei Miti Museum near Rome.
More than 100 collectors’ motorcycles will be offered in the sale, covering decades of international motorcycling history, including a selection of the museum’s own sports and competition machines.
Newly consigned machines include:
• Ex-Team Gallina, 1981 Suzuki RG500 Racing Motorcycle, estimate €45 000-55 000.
This motorcycle is the epitome of the golden period of Japanese manufacturers’ dominance in the 500cc Grand Prix class. The Suzuki RG500 was ridden to 50 Grand Prix victories and carried three riders to win the World Championships: Team Gallina’s Marco Lucchinelli and Franco Uncini in 1981 and 1982 respectively and Barry Sheene in 1976 and 1977.
Restored by Team Gallina in the 1990s, this RG500 was their development bike and was used to test components.
• 1967 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson 250cc Sprint CRS, estimate €16 000-20 000
Rarely seen in Europe is this example of the 18-year Italian/American joint venture between Aermacchi and Harley Davidson in the 1960s and 70s. Aermacchi’s lightweight motorcycles were badged as Harley-Davidsons in the USA and 50 000 were sold alongside the marque’s traditional V-twins.
The Sprint CRS was produced to meet the North American market’s demands for a 250cc scrambler and thus was delivered without lights, front mudguard, speedometer, etc. This machine – a rare sight in Europe – was imported into Italy in 2010 and was fully restored the following year.
• 1985 BMW 798cc R80G/S Paris-Dakar, estimate €14 000-18 000
The R80G/S was launched as an homage to the BMW model which won the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally in 1981 and 1983. This stunning restored example has covered fewer than 30 000km since new.
• 1974 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, estimate €12 000-18 000
An iconic model that is becoming increasingly desirable. This example is presented in largely original and unrestored condition.
• 1957 Ducati 125 Sport, estimate €7 000-9 000
A beautifully restored example by none other than Giorgio Nepoti and Rino Caracchi of NCR fame.
• Ex-Carlos Checa, Althea Racing Team, 2010 Ducati 1198 F20 World Superbike Championship Racing Motorcycle, estimate €110 000-130 000
Genesio Bevilacqua will offer a further 27 machines from his collection for sale in the Passione Moto auction.
• Ex-Davide Giugliano, Althea Racing Team, 2012, 2012 Ducati 1198 RS12 World Superbike Championship Racing Motorcycle, estimate €95 000-115 000.
Further important collectors’ motorcycles and collections are currently being invited for consignment to Bonhams Passione Moto sale.
Contact: ukmotorcycles@bonhams.com or rome@bonhams.com for more details.
Source: Lynnie Farrant – Bonhams
