Saturday, May 14, 2011

'PORCUPINE' FOR SALE AT QUAIL


Bonhams has just announced the star of their auction at the Quail Motorsports Gathering this August, part of their effort to bring the first live motorcycle auction to Pebble Beach week.  Their goal is a 50-strong bike sale, with a 1954 AJS E95 'Porcupine' the highlight.

Only 4 real Porcupines exist, two of which are in the Barber Museum, and this is the second E95 which has passed under Bonham's hammer; in 2000, it was the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction, and is still #8 on my 'Top 20' list.  This world-championship winning machine should draw global interest, as it is truly rare, technically fascinating, and very successful.