They did that in the 80s and 90s. It has stabilized somewhat since then...Maybe they'll do for old bikes what they did for 60's-70's musclecars and triple the prices.
Good thing I no longer NEED to sell off my collection; I'm only doing so to simplify my life in retirement....the collections being sold now for good money are at peak prices, the emperor's clothes will be revealed at one of these auctions when most of the lots remain unsold.
This year's auction at Barber was the first since I've been going. The Vegas auctions are singular events that have been well established, publicized on tv and attended by those with buying intentions. A lot of $ and bikes change hands at the Barber Swap meet and a Vegas auction doesn't have that to compete with. I saw several Vincents, Nortons and other desirable classics at the Swap Meet. Seems like the Barber auction was more of an attraction than an enterprise.If Bonhams Barber auction is an example of trends in prices they look to be down or leveling off. Of the 4 Nortons offered, the Dunstall didn't make reserve and the 3 Mark IIIs sold for $7000 or less and appeared to be pretty nice bikes. The big $ sellers were with McQueen provenance. Bonhams star offering, the Black Lightning didn't sell and is being offered in Vegas with a $100,000 less in their estimate. Maybe the Vegas buyers have bigger pockets or are more enthusiastic buyers than Barber's. Curious as to see the results.
I've gone to Barber each of the last 8 years. Up untel 2017 there was always an auction but not a suit and tie, open bar, high end one like Banhams. J. Woods did them if I recall in a tent behind the swap meet. Nowhere near the the high end stuff that Bonhams had, even a basket case or two would be up for grabs. My guess is Bonhams won't be back at Barber 2019??? There were cases of auction books left over after the sale so I don't think they had the bidders they expected.This year's auction at Barber was the first since I've been going. The Vegas auctions are singular events that have been well established, publicized on tv and attended by those with buying intentions. A lot of $ and bikes change hands at the Barber Swap meet and a Vegas auction doesn't have that to compete with. I saw several Vincents, Nortons and other desirable classics at the Swap Meet. Seems like the Barber auction was more of an attraction than an enterprise.
Good thing I no longer NEED to sell off my collection; I'm only doing so to simplify my life in retirement.
There will always be a buyer for a decent classic bike at a reasonable price.
sold my Dunstall there by J Woods a few years ago.Yes that's right. I remember hearing of those now that you mention it. Never very much buzz or any big-ticket items.
Brian Slark buys for Barbers at the Mecum Vegas auctions, he bought the Turbine bike they have thereMy guess is that some of Mr. Barber's museum pieces have come from the Vegas auctions and they've done business deals to do auctions at Vintage Fest. It's also my guess you got caught up in some Vegas lawyers' ironclad contract. That's the kind of thing I was dancing around when I mentioned competition between the hoity-toit auction and the swap meet action. And you didn't even have to rent a spot in the swap meet to get snared.
Brian is also their main Norton guy, I believe...Brian Slark buys for Barbers at the Mecum Vegas auctions, he bought the Turbine bike they have there