Worldwide Auctioneers to offer 160 Denny 'Kannonball' Kannenberg Collection

Worldwide Auctioneers to offer 160 Denny 'Kannonball' Kannenberg Collection

One of the most notable motorcycle collections to ever come to market - presented by Gas Monkey Garage & Richard Rawlings

 

presented by Gas Monkey Garage & Richard Rawlings

Worldwide Auctioneers, responsible for the sale of some of the world’s most exciting classic vehicle collections, has confirmed that it will hold The Denny "Kannonball’ Kannenberg Collection Auction at its Indiana headquarters this September. 


Presented by Gas Monkey Garage & Richard Rawlings and featuring the lifetime collection of celebrated flat track racer Denny "Kannonball" Kannenberg, the all no-reserve sale will showcase one of the most notable motorcycle collections to ever come to market. 


Comprising a total of 160 largely original motorcycles including racers, dirt bikes, street bikes and even mini motorcycles, there is something for everyone who appreciates anything on two wheels, as well as an eclectic offering of 30 collectible vehicles and a treasure trove of memorabilia, petroliana, and toys. The auction will take place September 10th and 11th, 2021 in Auburn, Indiana.


Denny Kannenberg earned the name the "Kannonball" during a racing career which ran from 1956 to 1973, when he retired to devote his full-time attention to his Sport Wheels business in Minnesota and his growing family. "I’m blessed by the opportunity to bring the, literally, lifetime collection of my friend Denny to the world," said Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage. "Here is a historic offering of everything that it is motoring and bikes and racing, representing a real coming age of motorcycles themselves and racing itself and American flat track, and there will not be another opportunity like it."
 


Denny Kannenberg's original warehouse and motorcycle business - Sport Wheels
Among the highlights of a collection full of special bikes is a rare 1942 Indian Four "440" complete with original Indian side car, one of the last Indian Fours ever built before the factory ceased civilian production at the outset of WWII. Also included is a 1982 Honda CX500 Turbo that was presented by Honda to the king of drag racing, "Big Daddy" Don Garlits as the NHRA Champion. With just over 4,765 miles on the odometer, it is in pristine condition and the headlight fairing is inscribed and autographed by Garlits himself.
"

1982 Honda CX500 Turbo
The infamous 1969 Kawasaki 500 III is another of the collection’s interesting bikes, notorious for being terrifyingly fast and nicknamed "The Widow Maker" for obvious reasons. Offered in original condition, it has just a single mile on the clock. Another of Denny Kannenberg’s personal favorites is a specially modified dirt track prepared Harley-Davidson Model KR from 1953, devoid of any braking system and again designed simply to go fast. Restored to race-ready condition and carrying his legendary number plate of 20J, it is sure to pique the interest of avid collectors. Also featured are names like Moto Guzzi, Metisse, a marque made famous by Steve McQueen, Hodaka, Bultaco, Maico and Ossa. Kannenberg further appreciated the technological sophistication of the Japanese manufacturers such as Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha and there are a host more noteworthy examples in the line-up.
 
 
"Trying to choose even a couple of favorite motorcycles from this unbelievable selection is impossible," said John Kruse, Worldwide Auctioneers’ Principal and Auctioneer. "We’re honored to have been entrusted with the sale of this historic collection and look forward to bringing it to a global audience of collectors and enthusiasts."


The Denny "Kannonball’ Kannenberg Collection Auction will take place on September 10th and 11th at Kruse Plaza in Auburn, Indiana, with preview days scheduled from Wednesday, September 8th up to the sale itself. 

 

To enjoy an introduction to the entire astonishing collection with Richard Rawlings click here on Gas Monkey Garage’s YouTube channel

 

 

Details on the full schedule and bidder registration are available at worldwideauctioneers.com or by calling 1.260.925.6789, with bidding options available to suit all comfort levels; live in-person, online and absentee by telephone.


Related Market and Auction Articles

4,927 articles