Classic bikes to go under the hammer

Donington Auctions based in south-east Melbourne is hosting a Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Auction featuring the collections of the late Jack Craig and Cameron MacMahon, with bidding kicking off early next week.

As well mid-century parts pertaining mostly to British motorcycles, the 265-lot catalogue features 37 motorcycles, ranging from Jack Craig’s Australian-built Manx Norton sidecar racer, a 1974 Ducati 750 Sport, and a 1962 Ducati 250cc Mach 3 ‘Narrowcase’, which last raced in the 2011 Australian Historic Road Racing Championship. Also up for grabs is a 1938 Hercules MF100, a 1971 Honda CB750, and even a 1949 Vincent Series C Rapide.

There’s a large range of parts for various vintage bikes, including magnetos, headlights, instruments, horns, seats, wheels and fenders, among others, while an impressive collection of motorcycle-related literature includes books on GP racing and racers, workshop manuals and volumes of magazines dating back to the 1940s.

There’s an impressive range of original promotional material like posters and brochures and Jim Craig’s collections of trophies, flags and sashes – there’s even a Stay Upright t-shirt signed by none other than seven-time world champ, John Surtees.

The motorcycles and memorabilia can be viewed between 9.30am and 5.00pm on weekdays – though it’s closed Good Friday – at 100a Talinga Road in Cheltenham, while a seven-day viewing for the parts starts on Friday, April 5, at 4 Clyve Avenue in Mentone.

Bidding Opens on Monday, April 1, and will close in staggered two-minute intervals on Sunday, April 14. To view the online catalogue, visit the website at Donington Auctions.