Batcycle and Knievel bike for sale
Which childhood icon means more?
THE Yamaha 250-based Batcycle from the 1960s series and movie is up for sale tomorrow in Palm Beach when the contents of the Cars of Dreams collection goes across the auction block.
The collection, owned by John Staluppi, contains 116 vehicles – mainly cars but with a smattering of bikes thrown in. The Batcycle, which the RM Auctions catalogue says it can't verify as the original due to a lack of documentation, but which certainly looks like the one from the series, is sold as part of a lot that also includes a faithful recreation of the original Batmobile. It also includes Robin's sidecar. Auction estimates put the pair at $125,000-$175,00 (£77,000 - £109,000)
The Knievel bike on sale from the same collection isn't, sadly, an iconic jump bike but Evel's own Harley V-Rod from 2005. A Screamin' Eagle machine, it comes complete with flames on the windscreen, an embroidered seat and “Evel” written on the tank in gold leaf. An Evel Knievel jacket is also included in the lot, which is expected to reach between $40,000 and $60,000 (£24,000 - £36,000). Given that Evel wasn't in the rudest of health by 2005, it's no surprise that the bike has barely been ridden and is in 'as-new' condition.
Other motorcycle lots from the collection include a 1946 Indian Chief and sidecar and a 1947 Harley WL.
