Bonhams|Cars Motorcycless will feature Joey Dunlop’s 1988 TT-winning Honda RC30 and 1999 Ulster GP-winning Honda RC45 in their Autumn Stafford Sale on 12 October. The sale will also include the Robert Lusk Collection, featuring historically important machines spanning early motorcycling, competition bikes, and roadgoing specials. This sale is expected to be one of the most interesting and wide-ranging motorcycle auctions in recent memory.
Ahead of its role as the official auction of The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show on 12 October, Bonhams|Cars Motorcycles is delighted to unveil the full catalogue for The Autumn Stafford Sale, now available to view online. and open for bidding. The sale features an extraordinary lineup of historic motorcycles – and is an unmissable opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. 200+ motorcycles will be offered – over 60 of which will be sold without reserve.
The highlight of the sale will be The Dunlop Family Collection – Joey Dunlop’s 1988 TT-winning Honda RC30 & 1999 Ulster GP-winning Honda RC45.
The undisputed highlight of the sale is The Dunlop Family Collection, featuring Joey Dunlop’s 1988 Isle of Man TT-winning Honda RC30 and his 1999 Ulster Grand Prix-winning Honda RC45. Bonhams is honoured to offer, direct from the Dunlop family, two of the most significant motorcycles in road-racing history: the RC30 that secured Joey’s Formula 1 and Senior TT victories in 1988, and the RC45 that delivered his unforgettable Ulster Grand Prix win in 1999.
Few names in motorsport resonate like that of William Joseph “Joey” Dunlop,the legendary ‘King of the Roads’. Over three decades, he secured a record 26 Isle of Man TT victories, five consecutive Formula 1 World Championships, countless wins at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix and earned both the MBE and OBE for services to motorcycling.
The two motorcycles offered here mark the final chapter of his extraordinary career: the RC30, estimated at £80,000–100,000, on which Joey triumphed in the 1988 Formula 1 TT, and the RC45, also estimated at £80,000–100,000, which delivered a celebrated victory at the 1999 Ulster Grand Prix and was among the last bikes he raced, in Estonia in 2000. Preserved by the Dunlop family and long displayed at Joey’s Bar in Ballymoney, they have been loaned only for the most important commemorations, most recently for the 25th anniversary of his passing.
Dave Hancock, Bonhams|Cars Motorcycles Consultant, commented: “To offer one of these machines would be extraordinary; to offer both together – the TT-winning RC30 and the Ulster GP-winning RC45 – from the family collection, is a once-in-a-lifetime event. For collectors and road racing enthusiasts alike, this represents an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire the motorcycles that bookend the closing chapter of Joey Dunlop’s unparalleled career.”
Additional Highlights: The Robert Lusk Collection & Other Star Lots
In addition to the Dunlop family treasures, the Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection will feature prominently in the sale. This distinguished single-owner collection includes historically important machines spanning early motorcycling, competition bikes, and roadgoing specials. Many of these have rarely been offered on the open market, and the collection was meticulously curated by Robert, who took great pleasure in the human story of each machine.
Among the other headline lots to watch:
- 1937 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series A Rapide: One of only approximately 78 ‘Series A’ Rapides ever built, this example is a matching-numbers machine that has undergone a comprehensive yet sympathetic restoration by one of the leading Vincent specialists. Estimate: £180,000 – 240,000.
1929 Brough Superior 995cc SS100 ‘JTOR’, estimate: £160,000 – 200,000.
- 1929 Brough Superior 995cc SS100 ‘JTOR’: Formerly belonging to Kenneth Neve OBE and offered from the estate of the late Alain de Cadenet, this matching numbers SS100 is fitted with the famed ‘JTOR’ engine. Estimate: £160,000 – 200,000.
- 1974 Ducati 750 SS: A superb example of the iconic Ducati 750 SuperSport, offered from a significant private collection. Estimate: £120,000 – 160,000.
These lots, alongside the Dunlop machines and the Robert Lusk Collection, position Bonhams|Cars’ Autumn Stafford Sale as one of the most interesting and wide-ranging motorcycle auctions in recent memory.
Ben Walker, International Department Director of Bonhams|Cars Motorcycles commented: “This is perhaps one of the most exciting Stafford sales we’ve had, offering an exceptional variety of machines across every price point. From rare, historic superbikes to affordable entry-level classics, there truly is something for every collector and enthusiast.”
* Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission (at no cost to you) if you click on the link and make a purchase. Any money made goes straight back into the website and magazine. Your support is appreciated!
