Du Pont Family Historic Motorcycle And Parts Collection Sold For US $1 Million

For all those loving, intending to invest in or already collectors of antique motorcycle and parts, the numbers listed below would tend to prove again and again that during recession times historic pieces are even more desirable. During the second annual Las Vegas Bohnams Auction, total sales were 2 million dollars with the entire Du Pont family collection entirely sold for a cool 1 million. L. Paul du Pont was the Indian Motorcycle Company president who guided the company to success through the Great Depression years. For his collection, bids came from the US,
Europe, the southern hemisphere and even India and the Middle East.

Highlights from the historic du Pont Family Collection included:

1906 Indian Camel Back in original condition sold for $72,540
1915 Indian Twin Board Track Racer in unrestored condition went for $67,860
1940 Indian Four in unrestored condition netted $44,460
1953 Vincent Series C Black Shadow with just 3,000 miles from new made $120,500.

An international battle was waged for the du Pont’s rare early spare parts collection. 113 lots of parts netted more than $200,000 averaging nearly $2,000 per lot, nearly four times the pre-sale estimates!

Highlights from these included:

$35,000 for a 1924 Ace 4-cylinder engine, in unused condition
$32,500 for a 1912 Henderson 4-cylinder engine
$8,750 for the engine of a 1912 Indian Twin
$3,750 for an original muffler for an Indian Twin
$3,250 for the carburetor of an early Indian Hedstrom
$2,250 for a fine circa 1895 Columbia “shaft drive” bicycle

Other highlights included an immaculately restored 1955 Vincent Black Prince consigned to the auction from England by a private collector that realized $122,500, a 1911 Indian 7hp Twin from an American collector that made $84,240, a 1928 Henderson DeLuxe Four which sold for $70,200, and a 1955 Vincent Series B Rapide that fetched $46,800. For a full list of sales results go to “Las Vegas Motorcycle Sale

4 Responses to “Du Pont Family Historic Motorcycle And Parts Collection Sold For US $1 Million”


  1. 1 BossHawg Jan 14th, 2012 at 8:48 am

    Wow…love it…motorcycle on the wing of the plane and off they go. Now that’s a man’s man!

    Boss Hawg

  2. 2 JZ Jan 14th, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    Great report Cyril. It’s always important to know about motorcycling’s “family tree.” By the way, that motorcycle affixed to Mr. Du Pont’s biplane is a 1911 Indian that was for sale on Thursday. It is now a project piece for sure but, wow, what cool history!

  3. 3 Rodent Jan 15th, 2012 at 7:13 am

    Attended all 3 Las Vegas auctions and between the venues must have been some 1200 otorcycles offered. Many Triumphs up for auction.

  4. 4 Mike Tomas Kiwi Indian MC Co Jan 15th, 2012 at 10:33 am

    The vintage and classic sector of the motorcycle industry has been alive and thriving even through the recession. It’s an often overlooked sector of our industry but it is one that continues to remain strong and grow.

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Cyril Huze