Biker heaven at classics auction

Chris Allsop expects this 1975 MV Agusta to fetch more than $100,000. Picture / Nick Reed

A classic motorcycle collection worth $1 million to be auctioned this weekend is being touted as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to nab a rare machine.

The collection is made up of 34 motorcycles and will go to auction at Webb's in Parnell on Sunday.

A total of 20 bikes are from one collector who is freeing up space for more motorcycles.

Webb's general manager Chris Allsop said: "They're internationally sought-after motorbikes so they're pretty rare and valuable.

"For New Zealand, it's not usual that you'd see all of those bikes together at once.

"It's just a rare opportunity for people to have a look at them and if they're serious motorbike collectors and they've dreamed about owning one of those motorbikes, it's probably their one and only chance to buy one.

"If they don't sell in this auction - at least 20 of them - they're going to get packed up into a container and sent off to either the US or Europe and get auctioned over there."

The collection includes six racing motorcycles owned by former Grand Prix racer Ginger Molloy.

The oldest is a 1914 Baby Triumph - the first bike purpose-built for the women's motorcycle market, Mr Allsop said.

At least two are expected to reach more than $100,000: a 1950 Vincent Black Shadow and a 1975 MV Agusta 750S.

Up for grabs

34 vintage motorbikes from a range of collections from around New Zealand.

20of the bikes are from one passionate Kiwi collector.

6 racing bikes included in the auction belong to former Grand Prix motorcycle racer Ginger Molloy.

2At least two bikes are expected to fetch more than $100,000 each in auction at Webb's auction house in Parnell on Sunday.

For more information visit webbs.co.nz