The Surrey-based collection contains some of the most remarkable and sought-after machines available, including a 1970 Clymer Münch 1,177cc TTS ‘Mammoth’ (£75,000-100,000), a 1940 Indian 78ci Four (£28,000-35,000) and a 1973 MV Agusta 750S (£70,000-90,000, pictured below).
The collection of 40 lots was owned by a true legend of the motorcycling world, Mike Salamon. A life-long motorcycle aficionado, he bought his first machine at 18 and as his career in mining took off, so did his astonishing collection. A successful merger in 2001 leading to the creation of the world’s largest mining company, BHP Billiton, afforded Salamon the luxury of being able to acquire the bikes that he had lusted after all of his life, such as the 1970 T120R Bonneville (£5,000-7,000) which he had admired even as a schoolboy.
After retiring from BHP Billiton, Salamon changed tack, and began collecting in earnest and adopted the strategy of locating his dream motorcycles and having a top marque specialist restore it on his behalf – each of the 40 machines offered by Bonhams have received this dedicated and professional treatment. The already impressive collection grew so rapidly that Salamon decided to create his own slice of motorbike heaven and oversee all restorations in one place, as well as beginning work on his custom creations. He set up a workshop in Cranleigh before moving to larger premises in Guildford, which similarly became filled with beautiful, rare and immaculately maintained machines. Ben Walker, Bonhams international head of department, commented: ‘This collection represents the very pinnacle of motorcycle collecting, and illustrates the passion and dedication poured in to the motorcycles by Mike. Bonhams is thrilled to be offering such an incredible range of machines, especially ones which have been so lovingly looked after and used.’
