Bonhams Broughs, Vincents
and a Coventry Flying EightMay 2015 Auction | Stafford Sale | Rapide | Black Alpine 
Bonhams is feeling suitably chuffed at the results of its 2015 Spring Sale held on 26th April at Stafford. The headline figure is a record turnover of £2.2 million (plus change), with 86 percent of lots sold. Nice. The top selling bike was Lot 294 (immediately above and immediately below), specifically a 1939 Vincent HRD Series-A Rapide (see February 2015 Sump). The hammer came down on this machine at £275,900. This bike, we understand, was once rescued from the scrap heap and bought for just £10 and an Amal TT carburettor. 
Features of the Series A Rapide include twin front brakes, a Burman four-speed gearbox and a whole lotta plumbing. The weight, however, is just 430lbs. Impressive. The top speed is a claimed 110mph, which surpassed that of rival George Brough's JAP-powered SS100. But which would you rather have? On factory test, the prototype V-twin engine of this 1939 Vincent HRD is said to have delivered 45bhp at 5,500rpm on a relatively low 6.8:1 compression ratio. Other top selling lots at Stafford 2015 include: 1937 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50hp £147,100 (sold for more than three times its top estimate) 1930 Brough Superior OHV 680 Black Alpine at £138,140 1926 Coventry Eagle 980cc Flying Eight at £106,780 1955 Vincent 998cc Black Shadow Series-D at £72,060 1933 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50hp project sold at £52,900 (more than four times its top estimate). 
▲ Lot 293, 1930 Brough Superior Black Alpine (immediately above and immediately below). This model was announced by the Nottingham firm in November 1929 and was noted for its black painted fuel tank, as opposed to nickel plate. It was supplied in August 1930 by Laytons of Oxford to Mr D. R. Venables. Sprung frame. Matching numbers. Three owners. V5C. 
▲ Check out the disc wheel trims fitted to this Black Alpine. The bike has had its ups and downs, but is said to be in good mechanical condition on a low mileage rebuilt engine. In its prime, this Brough was used as a commuting bike and a family hack. 
▲ Lot 293, 1937 Brough Superior 11-50hp, sold for £147,100. This (unusual) 60-degree JAP sidevalve was launched in 1933. It was pitched between the SS80 touring model and the SS100 super-sports. The bike was, and probably still is, capable of 90mph in solo form. Production ended in 1939. The bike was in dry storage for a miserable 13 years. Shame. ▲ Lot 312, 1955 Vincent Series D Rapide. "Property of a deceased's estate". Depressing words, but what can you do except be grateful that someone looked after the bike and gave it a good home? 
▲ Lot 312, one of 460 Series D's built. Features of this particular bike include an Alton 12-volt generator, a Grosset electric starter, electronic ignition and a Dave Hills centre stand (the original stand is included). This red, we think, could be the new Vincent black. But what do you say? 
▲ Lot 310, 1926 980cc OHV Coventry Eagle Flying Eight. Apparently, the JAP engine fitted to this British vintage superbike is not the original. The motor is loosely assembled with a new crankshaft and will require rebuilding. Nevertheless, the hammer came down at £106,780. Lots of documentation available. V5C too. Very creditable alternative to your average Brough Superior. Meanwhile, James May and Richard Hammond from the TV series Top Gear entered 12 personal bikes (between them) into the sale. All sold on the day realising a total of £77,625. Hammond's 2010 Norton Commando 961SE was the top selling lot of this collection. It fetched £15,180. Also, a replica Easy Rider Harley Panhead (another "property of a deceased's estate") sold for £19,760 (see Sump April 2015). All pics courtesy of Bonhams. www.bonhams.co.uk — Big End | 
