Press Release | August 3, 2020
Impressive collection of vintage BMW motorcycles leads consignments for Bonhams’ Auction at Barber Vintage Festival, which is scheduled for October 10.
This is a press release from Bonhams…
Highlights include pre-war models, including extremely rare R57; Consignments now invited for October sale at Barber Motorsports Museum.
Bonhams is very pleased to announce the consignment of an outstanding collection of vintage BMWs for its third annual auction “Collectors’ Motorcycles at the Barber Museum.” Consisting of several highly sought-after examples, particularly pre-war models, each motorcycle in the collection is in running condition and is being offered without reserve.
The rarest of the bunch is the 1928 R57, which was produced for just three years and is incredibly desirable among collectors. Appearing only a few years after the introduction of BMW’s very first motorcycle, the historically important R57 isn’t just exceedingly scarce, it’s superbly engineered, beautifully styled and a capable rider. It carries an extremely reasonable estimate of $50,000 – $70,000.
Other “no reserve” examples in the collection include a 1933 R4, a 1938 R35, a 1940 R12 with sidecar – the famed workhorse of the Wehrmacht and innovatively built with BMW’s first hydraulically damped telescopic forks (estimate $20,000 – $30,000), and a 1957 R26 with sidecar, among others.
“We’re delighted to be returning to the Barber Museum in October,” says Mathieu Guyot-Sionnest, Bonhams Head of US Motorcycles. “This will be our third year in partnership with the most prestigious motorcycle museum in the world and the largest vintage motorcycle celebration. With thousands of international motoring aficionados gathered together for the weekend event, there’s just no better venue.”
Additionally, in keeping with the theme and spirit of the Barber Motorsports Museum, Bonhams’ auction will now include select sports cars as well. Already consigned is an incredibly cool 1977 Porsche 911 RS Outlaw that offers sexy RS looks, 375 powerful horses and modern drivability.
Consignments are now invited for the Saturday, October 10th auction that’s to be held in conjunction with The Barber Vintage Festival at the Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama. Motorcycles and sports cars of all makes and models are welcome and sellers are encouraged to contact Mathieu Sionnest at mathieu.sionnest@bonhams.com or call (323) 436-5450.
For more information about the sale, visit Bonhams.com/Barber.