• Super-rare 1974 Commando 'John Player' 
  • Two great Ducatis 
  • Three fabulous British Veteran motorcycles 
  • Very rare 1912 Australian-made Peerless 500cc

Three fastidiously restored Norton Commando sports bikes – each regarded as amongst the best examples of their respective models in Australia – are amongst the 13 restored classic motorcycles on offer at Shannons upcoming 2020 Winter Timed Online Auction from 19-26 August.

The jewel of the trio, all restored to an exceptional standard by noted Sydney Norton specialist, Paul Hibbard, is a rare and very desirable 1974 Commando 'John Player' 850.

This single year 'tribute' bike, with its 828cc air-cooled OHV parallel twin engine, is a rare sight in Australia, as the majority of the estimated 200 built was delivered to the USA. Because of the quality of its restoration and its rarity, this visual replica of the factory's racing bike of the era is expected to command $24,000 - $28,000 on August 26.

Another stunning Norton Commando is a 1971 Commando 750cc that has had in excess of $20,000 worth of new or old stock parts sourced from the UK used for its restoration. The Norton has covered just 150 miles since it was completed and because of its significance as one of Norton's hallowed Commando sports bikes and its peerless condition, it is expected to sell in the $20,000-$25,000 range.

Similarly desirable for Norton enthusiasts is a 1968 Norton Commando Fastback 750 restored to a similarly-high standard that has covered just 12 miles since its completion. It is expected to bring $15,000-$18,000.

Another great factory racing replica with up-to-date performance is a 1989 Yamaha FZR750R-R 'OW01', regarded as is one of the most evocative motorcycles ever built. It is also rare, with a production run of just 500.

Although it was a street-legal machine, the OW01 had a spec sheet that was all about racing and remains a super high-performance 750cc road bike 30 years on. Very collectible today, it is expected to sell for $15,000 - $20,000

Two great Ducatis from 1969 and 1985 are also in the auction to satisfy Italian motorcycle enthusiast ­­– a beautiful 1969 250 Mk3 ($18,000 - $22,000) and a 1985 Ducati 900 S2 ($15,000 - $18,000) – both offered in excellent restored condition.

Plus, there's a very desirable 1970 Triumph T120-R Bonneville 650cc presented in excellent condition and with a $14,000-$18,000 price tag.

Meanwhile, from the late 1920s and early 1930s, classic motorcycle collectors are treated to a choice of three standout British bikes –  a rare 1935 Panther Model 100 'Redwing' 600cc and a 1930 Sunbeam Model 9 500cc (both $20,000 - $23,000) and a striking 1929 BSA S-29 500cc 'Sloper' motorcycle with fabulous attitude and 'street cred'($17,000 - $20,000) – all three offered with 'no reserve'.

 

From an even earlier veteran era is an extremely rare, locally-built 1912 Peerless 500cc motorcycle. Built by A G Healing & Co. Pty Ltd of Melbourne (Australia's largest motorcycle manufacturer at the time) and understood to be one of only four or five left in existence, it is powered by a German 3½ hp Fafnir 500cc side-valve engine.

This well-known bike has competed in various Veteran Motorcycle Rallies and importantly is eligible for the forthcoming National Veteran Motorcycle Rally to be held on 17-22 October, 2021 in Manjimup, WA. With this in mind, it is expected to sell for $15,000 - $20,000.

Finally, there are two interesting motorcycles restored and offered by the same well-known Sydney motorcycle enthusiast and V&HMCC member – a 1958 Ariel VH Red Hunter 500cc that is expected to sell for $14,000 - $18,000 and a rare Austrian 1954 Puch SGS 250cc 'Super Sports' offered with 'no reserve' and should bring $7,000 - $10,000.

Note: The Sydney Auction showroom has re-opened under reduced hours of 10am-4pm, Monday – Friday; the Melbourne Auction showroom is closed due to Stage 3 restrictions.

For more details of all Shannons Online Classic Auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au  For further information, contact the Melbourne or Sydney auction teams on 13 4646 (Option 6), or by email on auctions@shannons.com.au

Alternatively, speak directly to individual Shannons Team members at:
Melbourne: (03) 8588 0809 (main auction number)
(Christophe 03 70 254974; David 03 70 254983; Kim 03 70 254979; 'Tiny' Rodney 03 70 254977; Ryan 03 70 254984, or Lisa 03 70 254971).

Or, Sydney: (02) 8019 4119 (main auction number)
(Damien 02 79 116012; Stuart 02 79 116009, or John 02 79 116005).