Rare vintage motorcycles hold a special place in the hearts of collectors, offering a combination of historical significance, unique design, and limited production. These bikes often represent the pinnacle of engineering from their era, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts. Their rarity, combined with the stories they carry, elevates their value in the collector’s market. Whether it’s for their performance, aesthetics, or the nostalgia they evoke, these motorcycles are considered prized possessions. Here are some rare vintage motorcycles that are highly collectible.
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1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead
The 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead is one of the most iconic and collectible vintage motorcycles. It was the first Harley-Davidson to feature the famous “Knucklehead” engine, a 61 cubic inch (1,000cc) V-twin that produced 40 horsepower. The Knucklehead’s innovative design included overhead valves and a recirculating oil system, which were groundbreaking for its time. With its classic styling, robust performance, and historical significance, the EL Knucklehead is highly sought after by collectors. Prices for well-preserved models can range from $100,000 to $200,000, depending on condition and originality.
1948 Vincent Black Shadow
The 1948 Vincent Black Shadow is one of the most legendary and collectible motorcycles ever made. Known for its unmatched performance in its era, the Black Shadow was powered by a 998cc V-twin engine producing 55 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of over 125 mph, making it the fastest production motorcycle of its time. The Black Shadow’s distinctive blacked-out engine and minimalistic design have made it a symbol of motorcycle excellence. Today, these rare bikes can fetch between $100,000 and $400,000 at auctions, depending on their condition and provenance.
1938 Brough Superior SS100
The Brough Superior SS100, produced in 1938, is often referred to as the “Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles” due to its exceptional build quality and performance. Each SS100 was custom-built, and its 1,000cc V-twin engine produced around 45 horsepower. The SS100 was known for its speed and luxury, with each bike being guaranteed to reach 100 mph, a remarkable feat for the time. With only a few hundred ever made, the SS100 is extremely rare and highly collectible, with prices ranging from $300,000 to $500,000.
1951 Vincent Black Lightning
The 1951 Vincent Black Lightning is an even more exclusive version of the Black Shadow, built specifically for racing. With only 31 units ever made, it featured a lighter frame and an upgraded 998cc V-twin engine producing 70 horsepower. The Black Lightning was capable of reaching speeds of up to 150 mph, making it the fastest motorcycle of its time. Due to its rarity and legendary performance, the Black Lightning is one of the most sought-after vintage motorcycles, with auction prices exceeding $1 million in some cases.
1929 BMW R62
The 1929 BMW R62 is a rare and highly collectible vintage motorcycle that represents the early years of BMW’s foray into motorcycle manufacturing. Powered by a 750cc flat-twin engine producing 18 horsepower, the R62 was known for its reliability and advanced engineering, including shaft drive and a pressed steel frame. The R62’s elegant design and smooth performance make it a prized possession for collectors. Prices for well-preserved examples can range from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on their condition and originality.
1947 Indian Chief
The 1947 Indian Chief is one of the most iconic American motorcycles, known for its classic styling and powerful performance. Powered by a 1,200cc V-twin engine, the Chief was famous for its smooth ride and distinctive fenders. The 1947 model is particularly sought after due to its post-war production and the introduction of the “Indian Script” logo on the tank. Collectors highly prize the Chief for its historical significance and timeless design. Prices for well-maintained models can range from $35,000 to $80,000.
1957 Harley-Davidson FLH Duo-Glide
The 1957 Harley-Davidson FLH Duo-Glide is a highly collectible vintage motorcycle known for introducing the “Duo-Glide” rear suspension, which greatly improved rider comfort. Powered by a 1,200cc “Panhead” V-twin engine, the FLH delivered a smooth and powerful performance. The classic design, combined with its technological advancements, makes the Duo-Glide a favorite among collectors. Prices for these bikes can range from $30,000 to $60,000, depending on condition and originality.
1965 Triumph Bonneville T120
The 1965 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a classic British motorcycle that has become highly collectible due to its iconic design and performance. Powered by a 650cc parallel-twin engine, the Bonneville was known for its speed, agility, and distinctive styling. The 1965 model is particularly sought after for its unit construction engine, which improved reliability and performance. Prices for well-preserved Bonnevilles can range from $15,000 to $30,000, making it an accessible and highly desirable vintage motorcycle.
1924 Brough Superior SS80
The 1924 Brough Superior SS80 is another legendary motorcycle from the Brough Superior brand, known for its quality and performance. Powered by a 1,000cc V-twin engine, the SS80 was named for its ability to reach 80 mph, a remarkable speed for the time. With its elegant design and advanced engineering, the SS80 is a highly collectible motorcycle, often fetching prices between $200,000 and $400,000 at auctions, depending on its condition and history.
1937 Velocette KTT Mk VIII
The 1937 Velocette KTT Mk VIII is a rare and highly collectible vintage motorcycle known for its racing pedigree. Powered by a 350cc single-cylinder engine, the KTT Mk VIII was one of the most successful racing bikes of its time, known for its reliability and handling. The Mk VIII version featured a rear swingarm suspension, which was advanced for its time. Due to its rarity and historical significance in motorcycle racing, well-preserved examples can command prices ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
1951 Moto Guzzi Falcone
The 1951 Moto Guzzi Falcone is a classic Italian motorcycle known for its robust design and reliability. Powered by a 500cc single-cylinder engine, the Falcone was famous for its durability and smooth ride. Its distinctive design, with an exposed flywheel and horizontal engine layout, makes it a favorite among collectors. Prices for well-maintained Falcone models can range from $15,000 to $30,000, making it a highly collectible vintage motorcycle with a strong following.
1948 Ariel Square Four
The 1948 Ariel Square Four is a highly collectible British motorcycle known for its unique four-cylinder engine configuration. Powered by a 1,000cc engine, the Square Four offered smooth and powerful performance, making it a favorite among riders of the time. The 1948 model is particularly sought after due to its post-war production and improved design. Collectors prize the Square Four for its distinctive engineering and classic styling, with prices ranging from $20,000 to $40,000.
1928 Indian Scout 101
The 1928 Indian Scout 101 is one of the most iconic and collectible American motorcycles, known for its excellent handling and reliability. Powered by a 750cc V-twin engine, the Scout 101 was a favorite among riders for its performance and agility. The 101 model, produced from 1928 to 1931, is particularly sought after by collectors due to its superior design and historical significance. Prices for well-preserved examples can range from $30,000 to $70,000.
1954 BMW R68
The 1954 BMW R68 is a rare and highly collectible vintage motorcycle known for its performance and advanced engineering. Powered by a 600cc flat-twin engine producing 35 horsepower, the R68 was capable of reaching speeds of over 100 mph, making it one of the fastest motorcycles of its time. With only 1,452 units produced, the R68 is a rare find and highly sought after by collectors. Prices for well-maintained examples can range from $50,000 to $100,000.
1950 Vincent Rapide Series C
The 1950 Vincent Rapide Series C is a classic British motorcycle known for its powerful performance and innovative design. Powered by a 998cc V-twin engine, the Rapide was capable of reaching speeds of up to 110 mph, making it one of the fastest production motorcycles of its time. The Series C model is particularly sought after by collectors for its iconic design and engineering excellence. Prices for well-preserved Rapide models can range from $60,000 to $150,000.
1939 Triumph Tiger 100
The 1939 Triumph Tiger 100 is a classic British motorcycle known for its speed and agility. Powered by a 500cc parallel-twin engine, the Tiger 100 was capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, making it one of the fastest motorcycles of its time. The pre-war Tiger 100 models are particularly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and performance. Prices for well-preserved examples can range from $20,000 to $50,000.
1940 Indian Four
The 1940 Indian Four is a highly collectible American motorcycle known for its smooth performance and luxurious design. Powered by a 1,265cc inline-four engine, the Indian Four was famous for its smooth ride and powerful performance. The 1940 model, with its Art Deco styling and advanced engineering, is particularly prized by collectors. Prices for well-maintained Indian Four models can range from $70,000 to $150,000, depending on condition and originality.
1969 Honda CB750 Sandcast
The 1969 Honda CB750 Sandcast is a highly collectible Japanese motorcycle known for its revolutionary design and performance. Powered by a 736cc inline-four engine, the CB750 was the first production motorcycle to feature a transverse, overhead-cam four-cylinder engine, setting a new standard in the industry. The early “sandcast” models, produced with sand-cast engine cases, are particularly sought after by collectors. Prices for well-preserved sandcast CB750s can range from $20,000 to $50,000.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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