Auction results: Laverda race bike for the road sells for £31k

1974 Laverda 750 SFC

Sold by Gooding & Company, £31,130

When talk turns to Italian race bikes, MV Agusta and Ducati are usually mentioned – but don’t forget Laverda. In 1971 the Breganze-based marque dominated the endurance scene with its 750 Super Freni Competizione, a mere 549 of which were built 1971-76. This was one of only 100 US export models featuring a high compression 75hp engine, larger Dell’Orto carburettors and triple Brembo disc brakes. To comply with regulations, the bikes were all fitted with speedos and turn signals to create true ‘racers for the road’. This beautifully restored example retained its factory frame and engine.

1963 Ogle SX1000

Sold by Bonhams Cars Online, £14,905

David Ogle’s makeover of the Mini Cooper wasn’t the best-looking car – but it was practical with that big hatchback. Just 69 were built; 20 remain. This has been owned by the same family for 57 years.

2015 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

Sold by RM Sotheby’s, Price not disclosed

Just 92 examples of Bugatti’s open-top Grand Sport Vitesse were built, and each was different. This one was inspired by the original owner’s love of Transformers and given appropriate detailing.

1924 Swift Q-Type

Sold by hampson auctions, £7875

If you think your daily driver is getting long in the tooth, check this out, which remains in full working order despite having just celebrated its 100th birthday. It still had its original reg and manual.

1973 Porsche 911T

Sold by Bonhams, £33,350

This Viper Green 911 was converted to historic rally spec in 2007. Among the more interesting aspects of its history is the fact that it was rebuilt by inmates at HM Prison Blackenhurst during the early 1990s.

2003 Whitelock Tinker Toy

Sold by Bonhams, £92,000

Fancy trying to get your leg over this? The 48-pot behemoth was created by obsessive ‘special’ builder Simon Whitelock. It holds the record for being the land vehicle with the most cylinders.

1967 Honda S800

Sold by Cheffins, £6003

Good examples of Honda’s ’60s coupé often reach £15,000. This slipped through the net – a bargain, despite Cheffins describing the paint and trim as “aged considerably since restoration in 2012”.

1974 BMW 2002 Turbo

Sold by Collecting Cars, £63,000

Launched in 1973, this wasn’t only BMW’s first turbocharged production car, it was Europe’s. With around 170bhp on tap, the 2002 Turbo was capable of 130mph and could be had in any colour – so long as it was Chamonix White or Polaris Silver.

Forthcoming sale highlights

• Iconic Auctioneers, London, June 5
  If you’ve bought this 100th anniversary issue on its first date of sale, head quickly to the HQ of the Honourable Artillery Company in the City for Iconic’s new ‘lifestyle sale’ – part of the London Concours. As well as cars, motorcycles and automobilia, the auction will also include a varied selection of accessories. Trophies and winners’ plaques awarded to the aristocrat pre-war racer Earl Howe will also be up for grabs.
• Mecum auctions, Tulsa, oklahoma, us, June 7-8
  If American muscle cars are your thing, this Mecum auction won’t disappoint. As well as featuring classics from the golden era of the ’60s and ’70s – such as Plymouth Road Runners, Dodge Challengers, Pontiac Trans-Ams and all manner of pick-ups – the two-day sale will also include modern-day revivals (notably one of the 69 bonnet-bulging, high-performance Chevrolet COPO Camaros built in 2020).
• Bonhams, Brussels, belgium, June 11-18
  Everything in this first-of-its-kind Belgian sale will be offered strictly at no reserve – which could mean a bargain or two. Not that the lots are unlikely to attract some stiff competition. In addition to a trio of highly collectable, almost unused factory special Honda Monkey bikes, items include a Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster LP460 and a unique Porsche 991 Targa finished by the marque’s bespoke division.
• Cheffins, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, June 29
  This sale taking place in the heart of Lincolnshire will include everything from tractors and farming bygones to an eclectic mix of classic motorcycles, cars and commercials. Prepare for a long day – these Cheffins auctions frequently include as many as 3000 lots. But for those who are sufficiently organised to make the most of the pre-sale view, they can be excellent sources of hidden gems.