1894 Hildebrand to fetch “up to £60,000”

[Bob]

An 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmuller – thought to be one of the oldest motorcycles in the world – is being auctioned at Bonhams at their Stafford auction house… and is expected to sell for “up to £60,000”.

The 1488cc twin-cylinder, water-cooled, four-stroke engine may only give 2.5bhp, but the engine configuration does not sound out of place on a modern machine. James Stensel, Bonham’s motorcycle specialist said “To see one (the Hildbrand) in the metal in unbelievable, they are so rare”, adding this was one of the forerunners in motorcycle design.

The auction takes place in April.

[Bob]

The 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller – mooted as the first production motorcycle – has been sold for £86,200 by Bonhams auctioneers. The final price for the 1,488cc, water-cooled, four-stroke twin exceeded estimates by more than £20,000.

A Brough Superior was also sold at the same auction for £157,000.

[marty]

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