NN202A - Flipbook - Page 25
seamlessly leading into the
next leg of our adventure.
The auction itself took place
over 昀ve days, with more than
1,800 lots and about $20
million in total sales. The
highest prices were dominated
by nonBritish machinery. Top of
the chart was the 2004 Honda
RC174 George Beale replica
racer at $330,000, followed by
the 1968 Honda CB750 Prototype at $313,500 3 the very 昀rst
CB750 sent to the U.S. and now a recordsetting Japanese
bike. Close behind came the 1938 VincentHRD Series A
Rapide at $236,500, then a 1924 BMW R32 at $209,000 and
a 1934 HarleyDavidson CAC factory Class A speedway racer
at $203,500. A 1935 Indian Chief and a 1974 Ducati 750SS
Green Frame each realized $187,000, with early Hendersons,
Indians, Mondials, Harleys and MV Agustas 昀lling out the
six昀gure bracket.
Vincents remained a major presence in this upper tier. In
addition to the Series A Rapide, multiple Black Shadows
crossed the block, including a 1949 Series C at $132,000 and
several postwar Shadows and Rapides selling in the
$50,0003$90,000 range, plus a Series A Comet single at
$57,200. These are still serious numbers, but in the context of
record Hondas and strong money for early BMWs and
Indians, many observers felt that Vincent values were now
holding 昀rm rather than setting new highs. In that sense the
oftrepeated comment that Vincent prices were
