Classic bikes, Hailwood and Read memoriblia on offer at Stafford Show

A selection of classic bikes, including a Velocette KTT MkVII, previously owned by the Swedish TT rider, will go under the hammer at the Stafford Show next month.

A rare ex-works Vincent Rapide – ‘KAR 223’ – which was ridden by Arthur Merrett in the 1948 International Six Days Trial held at San Remo, Italy is also being flogged.

The fully restored bike is expected to raise around £50,000, while the Velocette could earn £38,000.

It  was previously owned by the Swedish TT rider, Billy Andersson and fully restored in 1998 by its then owner, Per-Olof ‘Perra’ Widell, the former Husqvarna works racing mechanic.

In 2004 it was purchased by its current owner and brought back to the UK from Sweden. It was given an engine rebuild in 2006 and is in race-ready condition.

Brooklands motorcycles always attract keen interest from collectors and the 1930 Cotton-Blackburne listed was built and raced by Francis Williams, it was nicknamed the ‘Village Fire Engine’ and is set to raise £25,000 – £35,000.

Other noteworthy machines include a restored 1936 Norton International Model 30 (£14,000 – 18,000) a circa 1911 FN four-cylinder ‘barn find’ (£12,000 – 15,000) and a circa 1932 Matchless Silver Arrow offered for restoration (£4,000 – 6,000).

A haul of Mike Hailwood memoriblia, collected by his biographer Ted Macauley is also going under the hammer, along with a collection of Phil Read goodies – including several Grand Prix 1st place trophies from Read’s World Championship-winning years as well as awards from a host of other international events including the Isle of Man TT.

The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, at Stafford Show Ground will take place on 18 October 2009. For more information visit www.bonhams.com