Shannons’ upcoming Winter Timed Online Auction, set to take place from 19-26 August, will be headlined by a rare 1974 Commando John Player 850.
According to Shannons, the bike has been restored to an exceptional standard by Sydney Norton specialist Paul Hibbard, and is expected to fetch between $24,000-$28,000 at auction.
“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,” explains Shannons in a press release.
The John Player will be joined by two other Hibbard-restored Norton Commando models, a 1971 Commando 750, which has covered just 150 miles since its restoration, and a 1968 Commando Fastback 750, with just 12 miles on its clock.
Due to its high-standard, the auctioneer expects the 1971 bike to sell for $20,000-$25,000, while the 1968 Fastback should come in under $20,000.
The upcoming online auction will see at least thirteen classic motorcycles on offer, including two Ducatis, three British veteran motorcycles, and an ultra-rare 1912 Peerless 500cc.
Built in Melbourne by A G Healing & Co, the Peerless is understood to be one of only four or five left in existence. It’s powered by a German 500cc side-valve engine, producing a less-than-whopping 3.5 horsepower.
Shannons predicts that the 1912 Peerless will sell for between $15,000-$20,000.
Two Ducatis from 1969 and 1985 will also be on the block, including a 1969 250 Mk3 ($18,000-$22,000) and a 1985 900 S2 ($15,000-$18,000), both of which are said to be in excellent restored condition.
There will also be a very desirable 1970 Triumph T120-R Bonneville 650cc presented in “excellent” condition, with an expected pricetag from between $14,000-$18,000.
Just one Japanese bike is up for auction – a 1989 Yamaha FZR750R-R ‘OW01’ ($15,000-$20,000), which was a limited-run production bike designed for racing, with just 500 units ever built.
Other listings include a 1935 Panther Model 100 ‘Redwing’, a 1930 Sunbeam Model 9 500cc (both $20,000 – $23,000) and a striking 1929 BSA S-29 500cc ‘Sloper’ ($17,000 – $20,000) – all three of which will be offered with no reserve.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
