Vincent Rapide brings US$38K at auction … but what about the US$2K Velocipede

Like buried treasure, ‘barn finds’ stir the imagination and such was case with this which hit the block in H&H’s inaugural Duxford Imperial War Museum motorcycle and bicycle sale of October 10. Though only lacking the dynamo drive cover, it was in perfect condition for a total restoration, fetching £18,700 (US$38,200)! For my mind, though the Vincent represents a chance at rebuilding a completely original stunner, the bargain of the sale was an 1870 Velocipede ‘Boneshaker’ at £1,100 (US$2250). I find it hard to believe that something so historically significant can sell for a price that low – surely something that belongs in a museum is woreth more than two grand. Despite more than a century of motoring, the bicycle is still the predominant form of transport on the planet and this baby is the ancestor of the species - IMHO this is grossly undervalued.

The next H&H sale of motorcycles, bicycles, registrations and automobilia will take place on November 20/21.