Mega barn find of 45 classic motorcycles going to auction at Stafford Show.

An astounding collection of great British motorcycles has been unearthed after more than 25 years. The collection, belonging to the late John Keeley, will feature at Bonhams Stafford Sale, taking place on October 18 at Staffordshire County Showground.

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James Stensel, Bonhams Head of Collectors’ Motorcycles, said: “To find so many unrestored motorcycles under one roof is incredibly rare. John had an appreciation for originality and an eye for quality; his 1928 Triumph 494cc Model P (estimate £4,000-5,000) has the most incredible patina, whilst his 1934 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50HP (estimate £30,000-50,000) retains its original and matching frame, engine, gearbox and associated accessories.”

The collection includes landmark examples from the early 1900s, in addition to impressive models from interwar and post-war periods. Mr. Keeley assembled the collection from the stables of several famous brands, including BSA, Velocette, Norton, Sunbeam, Ariel, Triumph, Douglas, Brough Superior, New Imperial and Zenith.

Percy Austen, a close friend of the late-owner, said: “John Keeley was born in Knowl Hill near Maidenhead, Berkshire. From a young age he developed a love of old machinery and started his working life in the village garage. John also took up motorcycle scrambling at the Bagshot and Hungry Hill courses, riding against many of the great names of that era.”

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Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale takes place 17-18 October at The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Staffordshire County Showground. Here’s more details about the auctions:

Saturday 17 October, 15:00, The Lonati Collection: a single-owner collection of sixty rare, predominantly American motorcycles
Sunday 18 October, 12:00, The Autumn Stafford Sale

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Tony Carter

Tony has been riding motorcycles for over 35 years and he's been a motorcycle writer for over 25 of those. He's ridden almost every motorcycle you can think of at most places around the world and he's partial to some racing, too. A Taurus, Tony doesn't believe in horoscopes (but then that's exactly what a Taurus would say!) but he does believe in Mandalorians and their right to earn a living.