$30,000 Soviet motorbike from WWII rolls into Pennsylvania auction

As we've mentioned, one of the great highlights of William Bunch's auction of classic motorcycles will be a Hindall Triumph 500 Desert sled, based upon a frame kit produced by Harry Hindall, a Southern California aerospace engineer and well respected 1970s desert racer.

Hindall used his skills honed as a production engineer at Northrop Aerospace to build a superior frame out of thin wall 4130 chrome moly tubing, expertly brazed together (like a Rickman) and chrome plated. The bike is expected to sell for up to $85,000.

However not everyone wants the same thing, even amongst classic motorcycle collectors and the '70s racing classic will not be top of everyone's lists.

Some will be more interested in a 1944 M-72 Soviet wartime military motorcycle with side car.

Soviet military motorbike
Soviet military motorbike

Meticulously preserved - fully functional and registered in Delaware, USA , with the original Russian paperwork included, the bike boasts a 746 ccm boxer engine 24 HP, 4 speed gear box with reverse, and shaft drive.

The tear-shape gas tank has a storage compartment, whilst the sidecar has spring suspension and so rides very softly. Kitted out with heavy duty rough terrain tires, in is painted in field gray (RAL 6006),

After 28 years storage in the countryside of Brest the motorcycle was acquired by the auctioneer's agent from the original owner, a retired colonel of the Soviet army in August 2009.

This motorcycle in its current condition is guaranteed to provide its new proud owner with lots of attention at historical rallies and is likely to take up prominent place in someone's growing collection of World War II militaria. It might even count as an investment.

Currently, the wheels have been rewired with chrome plated custom rims and spokes. This was done to improve handling and comfort during Sunday morning breakfast runs. Upon request wheels will be restored to their original painted steel rims and spokes.

The fascinating vehicle is available at William Bunch's auction which takes place in Pennsylvania and online on April 10. The Soviet motorbike is expected to sell for $28,000-30,000.

 

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