A rare Holden motorcycle dating back over 120 years is hitting the auction market for an estimated £70,000.
This specific motorcycle was an advancement on the earlier prototypes from Holden, who had developed the first two-wheeled motorcycle earlier in 1895.
The Holden, up for auction with Bonhams Cars, was owned by bike rider and motorcycle dealer Rex Judd in the 1930s.
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“It seems likely that Rex Judd acquired his Holden during the 1920s or early ’30s,” Bonhams Cars said, according to Whats The Jam.
“He rode it in the 1938 Pioneer Run, an event which was reported in both the weekly motorcycle magazines.
“He made only one unofficial stop (to refill his water tank) and completed the run to Brighton, finishing with a silver medal.”
The Holden, which shares a name but no connection with the Australian brand of the same name, then lived in Judd’s Edgeware dealership until the company was sold in 1989, when it was then displayed in Whitewebbs Museum in Enfield before being removed for this sale.
Bonhams admit that they are unsure if the motorcycle itself is even functional at this stage, with the engine turning over but beyond that, the mechanical condition of the bike and the actual performance are a complete unknown.
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In peak trim, the Holden’s four-cylinder 3cc engine was able to hit a top speed of between 25-30mph, but sources at the time called that claim ‘optimistic.’
In 1902, the Holden sold poorly, which some attributed to it’s cost. At the time a Holden cost £75, whereas most of the competition was priced between £40 and £45
Taking inflation into account, that would work out as almost £12,000, with other motorbikes on the market being available for £7100 on the upper end.
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Sales appeared to be low, and production of the Holden slowed before ceasing entirely at the end of 1902.
Bonhams is offering a chance to own a unique piece of automotive history, admitting that they are unsure when a Holden motorcycle will cross their lot again as they are increasingly rare.
The auction begins on the 26th April, in Stafford at the Staffordshire County showground, with an estimate between £40,000-£70,000.
