Image: Ducatis from the Billy Joel Motorcycle Collection, offered entirely without reserve.
Photo copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company, LLC. Image by Mike Maez.
The inaugural Retromobile New York Auctions will feature over 70 motorcycles from the personal collection of legendary multiple Grammy-winning recording artist Billy Joel, offered without reserve.
Gooding Christie’s, the official auction house of Retromobile New York, has announced the world-famous Billy Joel Motorcycle Collection as a leading consignment for its upcoming inaugural sale at the Javits Center in New York City. The Retromobile New York Auctions, taking place on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21, will feature over 70 lots from the legendary recording artist’s collection, presented entirely without reserve. Select offerings from the Billy Joel Motorcycle Collection will be displayed at Christie’s Rockefeller Center from October 8-12. Interested media and clientele are encouraged to reach out to the auction house to scheduling viewing appointments in advance.
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As one of the most successful and respected recording artists of all time, having sold over 150 million records and the recipient of numerous Grammy and Tony awards, Billy Joel needs little introduction. A six-time Grammy award winner with over 23 nominations, Billy Joel’s unparalleled career has been lauded by countless awards and accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Mr. Joel has a long history of collecting, and Gooding Christie’s is honored to behold the unique privilege of presenting many of his most cherished motorcycles from his personal collection at the Javits Center this November. His robust collection includes bikes of various eras and styles from the most important marques, including Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki, and more.
Among the most captivating motorcycles in the collection is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville (Estimate: $10,000 – $15,000, Without Reserve), gifted to Mr. Joel by Madison Square Garden on the occasion of his 150th sold-out show at the world-famous venue. The custom-painted motorcycle was commissioned especially for Mr. Joel and is accompanied by a matching helmet listing every single show and year he played at Madison Square Garden. To date, Mr. Joel still maintains the record for the highest number of sold-out shows at the venue. The collection also includes an iconic 1982 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica (Estimate: $15,000 – $25,000, Without Reserve), marketed by Ducati to commemorate the motorcycle that Mike Hailwood rode to his legendary comeback victory at the 1978 Isle of Man. A restored 1975 Ducati 750 Sport (Estimate: $25,000 – $35,000, Without Reserve), one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever conceived, also joins the sale.
The consignor intends to use proceeds from the sale to support his organization, The Joel Foundation.
Gooding Christie’s President David Gooding said: “We are truly honored to present the Billy Joel Motorcycle Collection, and with what better location than New York City itself, a place so strongly associated with Mr. Joel and his celebrated legacy as one of the most beloved musicians of all time. Billy Joel is one of the most recognized motorcycle enthusiasts in the world and we are thrilled to be presenting his prized collection at Retromobile NY in November.”
Billy Joel said: “I've always been drawn to bikes built by people who cared about getting every detail right. I've loved building this collection. Now it's someone else's turn to hit the road."
Retromobile New York Auctions
Dates: Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21
Location: Javits Center, New York
Public Preview: Thursday, November 19 through Saturday, November 21
