Calling All Motorheads: The Bonhams Auction at the Petersen Museum

17 September 2007 - San Francisco - Each November the 214-year old international auction house Bonhams hosts its famous Bonhams & Butterfields Motorcycle Auction at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles - a veritable temple for all automotive enthusiasts.

This renowned annual sale is scheduled in conjunction with the Love Ride, the world's largest one-day motorcycle charity event, and together these two functions make for a truly unforgettable weekend as motoring aficionados of all genres, including motorcyclists, hot rodders, Kustom Kulture disciples, collectors of automotive and pop culture art, as well as traditionalists, come together in the car capital of the world.

Highlights of last year's Bonhams sale included several world record prices, including $276,500 paid for a 1937 Crocker Hemi-head, $111,150 paid for a rare 1927 McEvoy, and $177,500 paid for Steve McQueen's 1934 Indian Sport Scout, not to mention numerous other record-breaking lots from the collection of Steve McQueen.

This year, consignments already include:
• A 1970 Kawasaki G31 Centurion owned by Steve McQueen and painted by Von Dutch. McQueen used this motorbike to cruise around the Santa Paula Airfield where, in his hangar, he kept his collection of motorcycles. The bike was painted by McQueen's pal Von Dutch and the tank reads "Ringadingdoo!" on both sides, and below on the right a legend reads, "Done up for Steve McQueen by Von Dutch." • 1941 Indian Model 841 Military • 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA Military • Dozens of Von Dutch items from the Stan Betz collection, including Dutch's most prized possession - his engraved crash helmet

These examples represent just a few of the exquisite items Bonhams will offer on November 10th - from vintage motorcycles and hot rods, to racing collectibles and scale model cars - and consignments are still being accepted.

To consign motorcycles or motorcars in this important auction, owners should contact the Bonhams & Butterfields Motoring Department. E-mails can be sent to motors.us@bonhams.com, or calls may be made to the following individuals: Mark Osborne, Motoring Department Director, San Francisco, 415-391-4000 Andrew Reilly, Motoring Department Specialist, San Francisco, 415-391-4000 Nick Smith, Motoring Department Specialist, Los Angeles, 323-436-5470 Malcolm Barber, CEO, San Francisco, 415-391-4000

For general information about Bonhams and its 50 specialist departments worldwide, visit http://www.bonhams.com.