Venue: The International Classic Motorcycle Show
Dates: 25-26 April 2026
Location: Staffordshire County Showground
If you ride, wrench, collect or simply love motorcycles, there is one weekend in the British calendar you should not miss. The Spring Stafford Sale at the International Classic Motorcycle Show is the biggest classic motorcycle event in Europe. It brings together a Bonhams live auction, over 900 traders, thousands of machines on static display, live start-ups in the GP paddock and two genuine TT legends as special guests.
This guide covers everything. The auction, the autojumble, the tickets, the tips and the star lots. By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly what to expect and how to make the most of the weekend.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event | The International Classic Motorcycle Show |
| Auction | Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale 2026 |
| Dates | 25-26 April 2026 |
| Location | Staffordshire County Showground |
| Viewing | Saturday & Sunday from 09:00 |
| Sale Times | Saturday from 13:00 / Sunday from 11:00 |
| Advance Tickets | £18 per day (saving £5 vs gate price) |
| Under 16s | Free with adult |
| Parking | Free |
| Tickets | tickets.mortonsevents.co.uk |
What Is the Spring Stafford Sale?
The International Classic Motorcycle Show has been running since 1981. It is held every spring at the Staffordshire County Showground in the UK and has grown into the largest classic motorcycle event in Europe.
The Bonhams auction runs alongside the show across both days. It has become the centrepiece of the weekend. Collectors from the UK, Europe, the United States, Japan and beyond fly in specifically for it. Some are there to buy. Some are there to sell. Many are there just to see machines they have never seen before and will likely never see again.
The show itself is enormous. Over 900 traders fill the halls and outdoor areas. Thousands of motorcycles are on static display. There are autojumble stalls packed with parts, memorabilia, clothing and tools. There is a live start-up area in the GP paddock. There are special guest appearances. It is a proper two-day event, not something you can rush through in a couple of hours.
2026 Dates, Times and Location
Event dates: Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April 2026
Location: Staffordshire County Showground, Stafford, ST18 0BD
Public viewing:
- Saturday 25 April from 09:00
- Sunday 26 April from 09:00
Auction sale times:
- Saturday 25 April from 13:00
- Sunday 26 April from 11:00
Parking: Free on site
Getting there: Staffordshire County Showground sits just off the A518 near Stafford. It is well signposted from the M6 motorway. Junction 14 is the closest exit. Trains run into Stafford station from Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly. The showground is about a 10-minute taxi ride from the station.
Tickets – What You Pay and Where to Buy
Booking in advance saves you money and time. Advance ticket holders can enter from 09:00, ahead of on-the-gate sales opening.
- Advance adult single-day ticket: £18
- On-the-gate adult single-day ticket: £23
- Under 16s: Free when accompanied by a paying adult
- Parking: Free for all visitors
Buy your tickets at tickets.mortonsevents.co.uk/event/17
The saving is £5 per person per day. For two people over two days, that is £20 back in your pocket before you have even looked at the autojumble. Book ahead.
The Bonhams Auction – Everything You Need to Know
The Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale is one of the most important motorcycle auctions in the world. Not just in the UK. In the world.
Over 250 motorcycles have already been consigned for the 2026 sale. The majority are offered without reserve. That means there is no minimum price the seller needs to hit. Bidding opens and the highest bid wins, full stop. For buyers, that is a genuine opportunity to pick up something special at a realistic price.
What Is Being Sold in 2026
The catalogue spans more than a century of motorcycling history. You will find:
- Veteran and vintage machines from the early 1900s
- Grand Prix racing motorcycles with championship history
- Clubman’s racers from the golden age of British racing
- Italian exotica – multi-cylinder machines from MV Agusta, Ducati and Moto Guzzi
- Motocross and enduro bikes
- Classic British heavyweights – Vincents, Brough Superiors, Nortons, Triumphs
- Japanese classics from the 1960s through to the 1980s
- Modern superbikes and sports bikes
Two headline collections feature prominently in the 2026 catalogue.
The David Plant Collection includes a wide range of British and continental machines spanning several decades. The 1948 Norton 490cc 500T Trials and the 1951 Triumph 499cc TR5 Trophy are among the highlighted pieces. All are offered without reserve.
The Connoisseurs Collection Part II is a fascinating group of mostly Japanese and Italian rarities, including a c.1936 Nimbus 750cc Four, a c.1955 Rikuo RQ750 estimated at £6,000-10,000, a c.1984 Honda VF1000R and several rare Suzuki two-strokes from the 1960s.
Understanding Buyer’s Premium
This is the part first-timers sometimes overlook. The hammer price is not what you pay. Bonhams adds a buyer’s premium on top.
- 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price
- 12% on the balance above that
VAT is charged on the buyer’s premium at the standard rate. So if a bike hammers at £10,000, you are paying £11,500 plus VAT on the premium. Budget accordingly before you start bidding.
How to Bid
- In person: Attend the show and register at the auction desk on arrival
- Online: Register at bonhams.com/32042
- Bonhams App: Download the app before you arrive – it lets you bid from anywhere in the showground
- Telephone: Contact the Bonhams team in advance to arrange telephone bidding
The Star Lot of 2026 – Barry Sheene’s Championship-Winning Suzuki
The headline lot for the 2026 Spring Stafford Sale is the ex-Barry Sheene 1977 Suzuki 500cc RG500 XR14 Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle.
This is the actual works machine from Sheene’s World Championship-winning era with the Texaco Heron Team Suzuki. Barry Sheene won the 500cc World Championship in 1976 and 1977. He was the most famous motorcycle racer in Britain during that period. Charismatic, quick and fearless. The man had posters on bedroom walls across the country.
This machine is being offered for the first time in nearly 40 years. It carries genuine racing provenance, factory specification and the kind of history that does not come around often. Expect serious international bidding interest. It is offered without reserve.
For context, a 1925 Brough Superior sold for £276,000 at the 2025 Spring Stafford Sale. A 1937 Vincent-HRD Rapide went for £181,700. The Sheene Suzuki will attract a different audience but comparable intensity.
Other Notable 2026 Lots Worth Watching
You do not need a six-figure budget to find something worth buying at Stafford. The catalogue covers everything from entry-level classics under £2,000 to serious museum-grade machinery.
Here are some of the highlighted lots for 2026:
High-value headline machines:
- Ex-Peter Hickman, 2019 Ulster Grand Prix Superstock-winning Smiths BMW Racing Motorcycle – estimate £35,000-45,000
- 2015 Honda RC213V-S – no reserve
- 1939 Brough Superior 998cc SS80 – estimate £40,000-50,000
- 1936 Vincent-HRD 500cc Series-A Comet – estimate £30,000-40,000
- 1949 Vincent HRD 998cc Series-C Rapide – estimate £18,000-24,000
- c.1902 Holden 1172.8cc (Rex Judd Collection) – estimate £40,000-70,000
- c.1912 Pierce 688cc Four (Rex Judd Collection) – estimate £50,000-80,000
Mid-range machines worth your attention:
- 1936 Velocette 348cc KSS – estimate £4,500-6,500
- 1958 Royal Enfield 692cc Super Meteor – estimate £3,500-4,500
- 1958 Triton 649cc Café Racer – estimate £3,500-5,500
- 1960 Velocette 499cc Venom – estimate £4,000-5,000
Entry-level lots for everyday buyers:
- Various David Plant Collection machines estimated between £800 and £3,000
- Multiple Japanese classics from the Connoisseurs Collection at £2,000-4,000
The majority of lots across all price ranges are offered without reserve. That is a significant detail.
How Past Stafford Sales Have Performed
Understanding what has sold and for how much helps you gauge the market before you bid. Here is a straightforward breakdown of recent results.
2025 Spring Stafford Sale – Final Results
- Total sale: £3,193,000
- Sell-through rate: 96% (industry-leading figure)
- Lots offered: 257
- Lots without reserve: Nearly 100
Top results from 2025:
| Motorcycle | Hammer Price |
| 1925 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 | £276,000 |
| 1937 Vincent-HRD 998cc Rapide Series-A | £181,700 |
| AJS 350cc 7R3A Replica Racing Motorcycle | £63,250 |
| Ex-Carl Fogarty 1988 Honda VFR750R RC30 | £59,800 |
| 1930 Montgomery 1,000cc S.V. Twin | £57,500 |
| 1972 Triumph Trident Formula 750 | £54,050 |
| 1926 Henderson 1,301cc Four De Luxe | £53,250 |
| Ex-Carl Fogarty 1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 | £43,700 |
| Barry Winter Collection 1936 Brough Superior SS80 | £43,700 |
| Ex-Eddie Kidd 1985 Yamaha YZ490 Stunt Bike | £33,000 |
The Dale Winfield Collection achieved white glove results across all 47 lots, totalling £501,515. The ex-Eddie Kidd Yamaha quadrupled its pre-sale estimate. Eddie himself bought it back through a telephone bidder.
2024 Spring Stafford Sale – Highlights
- 1938 Vincent-HRD 998cc Rapide Series-A – £228,850
- 1949 Vincent 998cc Black Lightning Series-C – £149,500
- 1924 Brough Superior 980cc SS80 – £97,750
- 2003 Whitelock 4200cc Tinker Toy (Guinness World Record holder) – £92,000
- 1974 MV Agusta 750S – £74,750
These results matter. They tell you the market for well-presented, properly documented motorcycles is strong. Buyers are active. Sellers are getting good prices. The 96% sell-through rate from 2025 means nearly every bike that crossed the block found a new home.
Practical Bidding Guide for First-Timers
If you have never bid at a live auction before, Stafford is actually a good place to start. The team is professional, the process is well run and the atmosphere is electric. Here is what you need to know.
Before the Sale
Study the catalogue. It is available free online at bonhams.com. Read the descriptions carefully. Pay attention to frame numbers, engine numbers, provenance details and any condition notes. These details matter when you are buying a classic motorcycle.
Attend the public viewing. Viewing is free with your show ticket. It runs from 09:00 both days. Get there early. Look at the bikes you are interested in. Check the condition yourself. Do not rely solely on catalogue photographs.
Set your maximum bid before you sit down. Decide what you are willing to pay. Include the buyer’s premium in your calculation. Write the number down. Stick to it. Auction rooms have a way of making you spend more than you planned.
Register to bid in advance. You can register online at bonhams.com or at the auction desk on the day. Having your paddle ready before the sale starts saves time and stress.
During the Sale
Arrive before your lot comes up. Check the lot order in the catalogue. Give yourself time to get seated and settled before your machine is called.
Understand the bidding increments. The auctioneer will move through bids in set increments. In the lower price ranges this might be £200 or £500 at a time. Higher up it moves in £1,000 steps or more. Listen carefully.
No reserve means exactly that. If a lot is marked without reserve, the auctioneer will sell it to the highest bidder regardless of price. These lots can occasionally sell well below market value. They can also attract frenzied bidding. Either way, they are worth watching.
Do not panic-bid. If the bidding goes past your limit, let it go. Another bike will come along. There are over 250 lots in this sale alone.
After You Buy
Payment is due promptly. Check Bonhams’ conditions of sale for payment deadlines. They are published online and in the sale catalogue.
Arrange transport in advance. Bonhams recommends Moving Motorcycles for UK and European shipping. For international shipping they suggest Shippio. If you are buying something serious, sort your transport before the sale, not after.
The Autojumble – Where Real Bargains Hide
The auction gets the headlines. The autojumble is where most people spend the most money.
Over 900 traders fill the indoor and outdoor areas at Stafford. You can find almost anything related to classic motorcycles. Parts, engines, gearboxes, exhausts, carburettors, electrical components, workshop manuals, period memorabilia, clothing, helmets, tools and complete project bikes. Some of it is priced keenly. Some of it needs negotiating.
Tips for the autojumble:
- Get there early. The best stock goes first. Dealers in the know arrive at opening time and work methodically through the stalls. By mid-afternoon the good stuff has usually found a new home.
- Bring cash. The outdoor stalls in particular prefer it. A trader who wants to clear his van before the drive home will often take less cash than his sticker price.
- Bring a list. If you have a specific project on the go, write down exactly what you need – make, model, year, part number if you have it. Wandering aimlessly costs time and money.
- Do not show your hand immediately. If you spot something you want, have a general look around the stall first. Pick up a few things. Ask about the part you actually want last. Eager buyers pay more.
- Check the condition. Classic parts come in all states. Rusted threads, cracked casings, worn splines. Look before you buy and ask if you are unsure.
- Indoor vs outdoor. The indoor halls tend to have more established traders with fixed prices. The outdoor autojumble is more varied. You find more surprises outside, both good and bad.
Special Guests 2026
Two of the most respected names in road racing are attending as special guests this year.
John McGuinness MBE
Known throughout the motorcycle world as the Morecambe Missile, John McGuinness is one of the greatest TT riders of all time. His record speaks clearly: 23 TT victories, 47 podium finishes and seven Senior TT wins. He was the first rider to lap the Mountain Course at over 130mph. His career spans multiple generations of TT racing and he remains one of the most popular figures in the sport.
Dean Harrison
Dean Harrison is among the fastest road racers of his generation. He regularly laps the Isle of Man Mountain Course at over 134mph. His performances at the TT, the Ulster Grand Prix and the North West 200 have established him as one of the leading names in international road racing.
Both riders will be available for meet-and-greet sessions across the weekend. Check the show programme for specific times and locations.
The GP Paddock and Live Start-Ups
This is one of the things that makes Stafford different from a static museum display.
The Live Start-Up Area in the GP Paddock is exactly what it sounds like. Classic motorcycles are fired into life throughout the weekend. The sound, the smell, the crackle and bark of old engines running. It brings these machines to life in a way that photographs and display stands simply cannot.
If you have never heard a proper vintage racer being warmed up at close range, make sure you find your way to the GP Paddock at some point during the weekend. It is the kind of thing that reminds you why you got into this in the first place.
Motorcycle Displays and Show Features
Beyond the auction and the autojumble, the show itself is worth exploring properly.
Thousands of motorcycles are on static display across the showground. They range from veteran machines from the early 1900s right through to modern classics from the 1990s and 2000s. Owner clubs bring their finest examples. Private collectors bring machines that rarely see daylight.
In past years the show has hosted themed displays of genuine historical significance. The 2025 show included a record-breaking display of 25 Brough Superior SS100s to mark the centenary of that model, the largest public gathering of SS100s ever assembled.
Give yourself time to walk the display areas properly. Some of the most interesting machines at Stafford are not in the auction catalogue. They are sitting quietly in a corner being admired by three people who know exactly what they are looking at.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Weekend
These are practical points from people who have been to Stafford more than once.
Before you go:
- Download the Bonhams app and register to bid
- Read the auction catalogue online – it is free and available before the event
- Mark your must-see lots and set your maximum bids
- Withdraw cash for the autojumble
- Check the weather and dress accordingly – parts of the showground are outdoors
On the day:
- Arrive early. The gates open at 09:00 for advance ticket holders. Be there at 09:00
- Wear comfortable boots. You will cover a lot of ground
- Eat before you go in or bring food. The catering queues get long around midday
- Pick up a show programme at the entrance and plan your route
- If you are bidding, get to the auction room before your lot comes up
- Allow yourself time in the GP paddock for the live start-ups
General:
- Do not try to see everything in one pass. Work the autojumble systematically
- If you find something you want, buy it. Sellers do not hold stock waiting for you to come back
- Talk to people. Stafford is full of knowledgeable enthusiasts who are happy to share what they know
How to Sell at Stafford – For Consignors
If you have a machine worth selling, the Spring Stafford Sale is one of the best platforms available anywhere in the world.
Bonhams achieved £3,193,000 in total sales at the 2025 event with a 96% sell-through rate. Those are exceptional numbers. They reflect both the quality of what was consigned and the depth of the international buyer base Bonhams brings to the table.
The process is straightforward:
- Contact the Bonhams Motorcycles Department for a complimentary, no-obligation auction valuation
- Discuss your options with a specialist
- Agree a reserve price if you want one, or offer without reserve for maximum exposure
- Submit your entry before the closing date
2026 entry deadline: Friday 20 March 2026
Contact details:
- Email: motorcycles@bonhams.com
- Phone: +44 (0)20 8963 2817
- Website: bonhams.com/motorcycles
Whether you have a single motorcycle or an entire collection, the Bonhams team handles the process from valuation through to post-sale settlement. Private collections in particular have performed strongly at recent Stafford sales. The Dale Winfield Collection achieved £501,515 in 2025. The Connoisseurs Collection, the Barry Winter Collection and the Andy Chapman Collection all produced white glove results in recent years.
Conclusion
The Spring Stafford Sale is not just an auction. It is the annual gathering point for everyone who cares seriously about motorcycles. The auction, the autojumble, the displays, the live start-ups, the guest appearances – it all happens in one place over one weekend every April.
The 2026 edition has the strongest programme in years. Barry Sheene’s championship-winning Suzuki is the headline. John McGuinness and Dean Harrison are the guests. Two major private collections anchor the catalogue. And nearly every lot is offered without reserve.
If you are going, book your tickets early at tickets.mortonsevents.co.uk/event/17. Download the Bonhams app. Read the catalogue. Set your budget. Bring cash. And get there early on Saturday morning.
If you are thinking about selling a motorcycle, contact the Bonhams team before the 20 March entry deadline.
Key contacts:
- Show tickets: tickets.mortonsevents.co.uk/event/17
- Bonhams auction registration: bonhams.com/32042
- Bonhams motorcycles department: motorcycles@bonhams.com
- Bonhams phone: +44 (0)20 8963 2817
- Show enquiries: Mortons Events, 01507 529529
The Spring Stafford Sale takes place at Staffordshire County Showground on 25-26 April 2026. The Bonhams live auction runs from 13:00 on Saturday and 11:00 on Sunday. Public viewing opens at 09:00 both days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Spring Stafford Sale just for serious collectors?
No. The show and the autojumble are open to everyone. The auction includes machines at every price point, from a few hundred pounds for memorabilia to hundreds of thousands for the headline lots. You do not need to be a serious collector to attend, enjoy and even buy something.
Can I bid if I have never used Bonhams before?
Yes. You register with Bonhams before the sale either online or at the auction desk on the day. There is no prior account needed. You will need to provide identification and proof of address to collect your bidding paddle.
What happens if my lot does not sell?
If a lot carries a reserve and the bidding does not reach it, the lot is passed. The seller can then negotiate with Bonhams about next steps, including offering it at a future sale or adjusting the reserve price.
Can I bring my own motorcycle to display?
Contact the show organisers at Mortons Events directly to discuss vehicle display options. Some spaces are available for private exhibitors and owner clubs.
Is the show suitable for children?
Yes. Under-16s enter free with a paying adult. The displays, the GP paddock start-ups and the general atmosphere make it an engaging day out for younger visitors with an interest in motorcycles.
Do I need a separate ticket for the auction?
No. Your standard show ticket covers entry to the auction viewing and the live sale. There is no additional charge to attend and watch the bidding.
Can I bid online if I cannot attend in person?
Yes. Bonhams offers online bidding at bonhams.com, telephone bidding arranged in advance and bidding via the Bonhams app. You can participate fully in the sale without being physically present.
What is the buyer’s premium and how does it work?
Bonhams adds a buyer’s premium to the hammer price of each lot. The rate is 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price and 12% on the balance above that. VAT is charged on the premium. Factor this into your budget before you bid.
How do I transport a motorcycle I buy at auction?
Bonhams recommends Moving Motorcycles for UK and European transport and Shippio for international shipping. Details and quote request links are available through the Bonhams website.
When does public viewing open?
Public viewing opens at 09:00 on both Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April 2026. Viewing is free with a valid show ticket.
Disclaimer
The information in this guide was accurate at the time of writing in March 2026. Event dates, ticket prices, lot estimates, auction times and sale details are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information directly with the event organisers and Bonhams before making travel arrangements or bidding decisions.
This guide is written for informational purposes only. Nothing in it constitutes financial, investment or legal advice. Motorcycle values fluctuate. Past auction results are not a guarantee of future performance.
We have no commercial relationship with Bonhams, Mortons Events or any trader mentioned in this article. All links and contact details are provided for the reader’s convenience only.
