October’s Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, sponsored by Carole Nash, is one of the highlights of our year and we’re less than a fortnight away from what should be another packed event at the Stafford Showground.
Taking place on the weekend of October 11-12, the event follows its tried and tested formula with loads to see and do for classic motorcycle enthusiasts. Where April’s International Classic MotorCycle Show shines a spotlight on vintage machinery, the Autumn event is mainly about emerging and modern classics – with machinery from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and even early 2000s taking pride of place.
That’s not to say there won’t be some older stuff to whet your appetite, but if bikes from the last four decades are your thing, this is definitely the place to be. The fact that the Stafford events regularly attract more than 30,000 visitors over the weekend in itself shows just how vital these shows are to the classic motorcycling community.
As always, it’s a place for enthusiasts to meet, with bike clubs from around the country setting up and bringing along some stunning machines from across the decades - some of which will roar back to life in the GP paddock area. With large trade areas and autojumble stands galore, it’s the ideal place to get geared up for that winter project.
Bonhams’ auction will also be running on site over the weekend, with everything from rare and historically significant machines through to interesting memorabilia (and a whole lot in between) going under the hammer. Viewing takes place all day Saturday, with the auction starting at 11am on Sunday morning.
Among the highlights are two genuine Honda HRC factory racers campaigned by the legendary Joey Dunlop: the RC30 he rode to victory in the 1988 Formula One and Senior TTs and the 1999 RC45 which, until recently, was famously on display at Joey’s Bar in Ballymoney.
John McGuinness rode the latter machine at a classic bike meet at Bishopscourt a few months ago, and each is likely to go for a six-figure sum by the time the hammer falls as it is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase such historically important machines from one of the most iconic racers of all time.
Two road going RC30s are also likely to attract a lot of attention. A former insurance write off could offer a rare opportunity to buy this iconic classic on a budget, while a standard road going version with just 121 miles on the clock should fetch top dollar, although the really big bucks are likely to be spent on a 1937 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series A Rapide and a 1929 Brough Superior SS100 JTOR, which have estimates around the £200,000 mark.
If that’s a bit out of your price range, the Bonhams auctions always throw up a diverse range of classic motorcycles and memorabilia. More affordable racers include a 1982 Suzuki RG500 Grand Prix machine ridden by Bob Heath in the 1986 Isle of Man Senior TT, and one of the factory Cadbury’s Boost Yamaha YZF750s which dominated British superbike racing in the mid 1990s. It’s estimated that between £25,000 and £35,000 could see either find a place in your garage, making them possibly the ultimate classic track day tools.
The auction won’t be all about exotica though, with 1990s tackle as diverse as a Ducati 400SS, Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster, Suzuki GSX-R750 and even a Yamaha Majesty scooter all offered without reserve.
Racing and star guests have always played a significant part in the Stafford experience and this year sees two star names from the 1980s take top billing on the main stage.
Roger Marshall and Wayne Gardner were great friends and rivals in the 1980s. Grimsby boy Marshall started racing in the 1970s and would go on to become a real fan favourite, winning 11 British titles in his time as a factory Honda and Suzuki rider, while ‘Digger’ Gardner would go on to achieve the ultimate accolade in 1987 when he won the 500cc Grand Prix world championship.
The Australian rider became familiar to British fans when he moved to the UK to race in the early ’80s and was renowned for his gritty, never say die, approach as he took on stars like Barry Sheene, Steve Parrish and Joey Dunlop on his high-barred Moriwaki Kawasaki superbike. He returns to the UK as guest of honour at this year’s show, where he will no doubt share some incredible stories from days gone by.
Legendary TV commentator Jack Burnicle will be hosting them on the main stage, and we fully expect some no holds barred tales from this golden era of motorcycle racing.
Of course, there’s more to the show than bikes and biking celebrities at the Stafford shows. You can enjoy live music, bars, camping and camaraderie with likeminded spirits, while we at Carole Nash will be there as part of our 40th anniversary celebrations.
Tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance, and gain early access to the site on both Saturday and Sunday. On the gate prices are £21, or £16.50 in advance, with free admission for under 16s. Head to https://www.classicbikeshows.com/stafford/ to book in advance.
See you there!
IMAGE CREDIT GARY CHAPMAN MORTONS MEDIA GROUP
