Fans flock to motorbike show

A rare 1938 racing motorcycle went for the top price of £157,700 at an international motorbike show at Stafford - while an even older machine fetched £86,200.

Motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the UK were at the International Classic Motorcycle Show at the county showground over the weekend.

An auction conducted by specialists Bonhams took place yesterday.

The Brough Superior 982cc SS100 F attracted interest from all over world.

The second highest price paid on the day was £86,200 for an 1894 German made Hildebrand and Wolfmuller machine, which was found in a barn in the United States.

Bonhams said that a record £1,618,324 was paid out for the more than 500 lots.

Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said that attendances over the weekend at the 30th annual event were about 31,000 with numbers 6.5 per cent up on Saturday on 2009.

"It has been out best ever show at Stafford. There were nearly 1,000 stands as well," he added.

The guest of honour was TT legend Phillip McCallen and other racing stars attending included Percy Tait, John Cooper and Ron Chandler.

A new attraction was the Classic Dirt Bike Experience, an area dedicated to the best in off-road biking.