Barry Sheene Collection added to Bonhams winter sale

Memorabilia including trophies, jackets and other apparel belonging to two of British motorcycling’s well known racers – two-time Motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Barry Sheene and Triumph tester and racer Percy Tait – will feature in the forthcoming Bonhams Winter Sale on 11-12 December.

1976 John Player Grand Prix Senior 500cc race winner’s trophy, estimated around $1050

The late Barry Sheene, motorcycling’s first superstar, became a household name in the 1970s, winning consecutive World Championships in Grand Prix’s premier 500cc class in 1976 and 1977 and was awarded an MBE in 1978.

Between 1968 and 1984, Sheene made over 100 Grand Prix starts, securing 52 podium finishes and 23 victories and remains the last Briton to win a motorcycle Grand Prix race. He also cheated death several times on track, including at the 1975 Daytona 200 where he crashed at 175mph. Despite his injuries he went on to make a full recovery, racing again a mere few weeks later.

A stainless-steel Gabriel Chronograph wristwatch awarded at the ‘France de Chimay’ race in 1976. The watch is engraved ‘Trophée Prince de Chimay 6-6-76, estimated around $550.

The Barry Sheene Collection offered at The Winter Sale reflects his successful career, with trophies and awards from British and European races, personal team kit, a selection of other motorcycle, motorsport racewear and memorabilia.

Barry Sheen Memorabilia

‘The Sheene Collection’  Barry Sheene jacket, estimate $750

• A trophy awarded to Barry Sheene as the winner of the 1976 John Player Grand Prix Senior 500cc race, consisting of a sword mounted to a wooden backing, estimated around $1050.
• A Castrol trophy awarded to Barry Sheene for 1st overall in the MCN Super Bike round at Mallory Park 12 September 1976, estimated around $750.
• A trophy plaque for first place in the 500cc ‘Gran Prix de Venezuela’ at San Carlos 19 March 1978, 19cm x 14cm; together with three other awards including a Martini ‘rider of the year 1977’ belt buckle inscribed to the rear specifically manufactured for Barry Sheene, estimated around $550.
• A stainless-steel Gabriel Chronograph wristwatch awarded at the ‘France de Chimay’ race in 1976. The watch is engraved ‘Trophée Prince de Chimay 6-6-76, estimated around $550.
• Two sets of Suzuki team overalls together with a Suzuki team bib and brace, estimated around $500.
• ‘The Shenne Collection’ jacket Size medium, in fabric with applied badges and logos. Estimated around $750.
• A leather holdall featuring the number ‘7’, ‘Sheene’ to the end and ‘Suzuki’ logo to the ends and sides, estimated around $450. One of several holdalls offered.

Percy Tait Memorabilia 

The Percy Tait collection includes his winning 1971 Bol d’Or trophy, together with his finisher’s trophy from 1970. Estimated around $1150.

Also offered in the Bonhams sale will be a collection of memorabilia from the estate of the late Percy Tait, the chief tester and works rider for Triumph, who was instrumental in the development of ‘Slippery Sam’, the famous Trident racing motorcycle, and was then hired by Suzuki in 1976 to help develop its championship-winning 500cc racing motorcycle for Barry Sheene. His own racing career included winning the 1971 Bol d’Or at Le Mans and finishing second only to Giacomo Agostini in the 1969 Belgian Grand Prix. Also offered are his TT trophies, race suits, helmets including his distinctive Cromwell ‘pudding basin’, original paperwork including contracts and a significant personal photographic archive.

Other jewels include a rare 1990 Norton F1, a trio of Triumph Valmoto Racing Motorcycles from the 2003 season and an exclusive 1982 Hesketh Vampire luxury super tourer which was the brainchild of Lord Hesketh, founder of the eponymous and flamboyant 1970s Formula One racing team.

1982 Hesketh Vampire, estimate $35,000

The Winter Sale will be a ‘live and online’ auction, with an auctioneer at the rostrum and the sale livestreamed via Bonhams.com, with bids accepted online, by telephone or by absentee bids. Check out the catalogue here.