Sponsored Links:
.
Collectors are so keen on its natural state that restoration would actually cause its value to drop.
It looks like a rusty piece of junk - but it’s a rusty piece of junk that could fetch £50 000 (R640 000) at auction.
The 1906 Indian Camelback pictured above - one of the first motorcycles ever built - was made by the Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company, a US firm that went bust almost sixty years ago.
It was last ridden in the 1970s, but collectors are so keen on its “natural” state that restoration would actually cause its value to drop.
The single-cylinder, 1.7kW bike, which could once have reached 50km/h, originally had thin, bicycle-type rubber tyres. It will go under the hammer at Bonhams in Las Vegas on January 12.
The head of the auction house’s motorcycle department, Ben Walker, said the Camelback “which still has its original registration number on the rear mudguard” would have been “a quick machine with a fair turn of speed”.
“Indian were at the forefront of motorcycles when they evolved from bicycles,” he added. On the price the bike is expected to fetch, he explained: “These motorcycles have never really dropped in value. If I filled a whole sale with them they would all go for good prices.” - Daily Mail
Motoring newsletter - click here to keep up to speed with the best in motoring
|
|
democrat, wrote
Rare. The date is exceptional. The value is fair for this. Indian are, also, an iconic name in motorcycling history in the USA. I'd hate to imagine riding it at 50 kph, though, with that spindly frame, tiny brakes, high seat, and bicycle tyres.
Magosi Magakwe, wrote
Showing items 1 - 2 of 2
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Services
Buying a car has never been easy. Motoring.co.za contains a large database of car listings with a user friendly search.
Start searching today »
Business Directory
You are here: IOL / Motoring / Bikes , Quads & Karts / R640 000 Indian - rust included
We like to make your life easier
Mobile
Browse IOL on your phone at m.iol.co.za.
Newsletters
Subscribe to our newsletters. News delivered to your inbox!
Comment Guidelines