Rare scooters take centre stage in Bonhams Summer Sale
Bonhams Motorcycles has announced its latest Motorcycles Online – The Summer Sale, a timed online auction running from Friday, June 5 to Monday, June 15, 2026 — and while the sale spans more than a century of motorcycling history, scooter enthusiasts have plenty to get excited about.
The catalogue is now live and features more than 300 lots, ranging from veteran motorcycles and British classics to Italian exotica, competition machines, restoration projects, minibikes, three-wheelers, spares, memorabilia and brochures. More than 250 lots are offered without reserve, with estimates across the sale ranging from just £80 to £80,000.
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For Scootering readers, however, the real interest lies in the auction’s strong line-up of historic scooters, many forming part of The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III.
Among the standout lots are a c.1953 Lambretta 125cc Tipo E Motor Scooter and a c.1947 Lambretta 125cc Tipo A Motor Scooter, both offered without reserve. Early Lambretta machines such as these represent the very beginnings of Innocenti’s scooter story, making them especially appealing to collectors interested in the roots of the marque.
Also included is a c.1947 Vespa 98 ‘Low Light’, again offered without reserve. As one of the earliest Vespa models, the 98 holds a special place in scooter history and remains one of the most evocative post-war Italian scooter designs.
The sale also includes several less commonly seen Japanese scooter lots. A c.1953 Fuji Rabbit S-53 Motor Scooter is joined by a c.1959 Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon C-83 Bobby De Luxe and a c.1963 Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon C-135 Motor Scooter, giving collectors the chance to explore an often-overlooked but fascinating side of global scooter development.
Another unusual highlight is the c.1949 Zoppoli Motopiccola Z48, described by Bonhams as a rare and characterful Italian scooter. Built in Genoa by Filippo Zoppoli, the Motopiccola used Ducati’s Cucciolo engine, with later examples adopting MV Agusta power units. Presented in restored condition and offered without reserve, it is one of the sale’s more distinctive conversation pieces.
Beyond the scooters, Bonhams’ Summer Sale includes a wide range of notable motorcycles. Headline machines include a 1974 Ducati 750SS ‘Green Frame’, estimated at £70,000–£90,000, a 1973 MV Agusta 750S estimated at £80,000–£100,000, a 1975 MV Agusta 750S America estimated at £28,000–£38,000, and a 1954 Vincent Series-C Black Shadow ‘Black Lightning Replica’ estimated at £40,000–£50,000.
The auction also marks Ducati’s centenary with a dedicated selection of machines from the Italian manufacturer, including a 1989 Ducati 851, 1999 Ducati 916 Strada, 2001 Ducati 996R, 1961 Ducati 175cc ‘Silverstone’, 1975 Ducati 450cc Mark III Desmo and 1975 Ducati 350cc Mark III.
Public viewing will be available by appointment at Bonhams’ Milton Keynes base on Wednesday, June 10 and Thursday, June 11. Bidding opens at 12 noon BST on Friday, June 5, with lots closing sequentially from 12 noon BST on Monday, June 15.
For the full catalogue, registration and bidding details, visit www.bonhams.com/32059 or use the Bonhams App. Motorcycle enquiries can be directed to [email protected] or +44 (0)20 8963 2817.
