Auction of A Lifetime - The Denny "Kannonball" Kannenberg Collection

Auction of A Lifetime - The Denny "Kannonball" Kannenberg Collection

One of the most significant motorcycle collections to ever come to market. 

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 significant motorcycle collections to ever come to market. Comprising a total of 165 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.

Among the highlights of this 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 1986 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.

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.

“I’m blessed by the opportunity to bring the, literally, lifetime collection of my friend Denny to the world. 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.” - Richard Rawlings

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.

A few auction highlights:

  • Lot #230 1942 Indian Four With Sidecar
  • 1970 Volkswagen Bug Custom 4x4
  • 2004 Honda CB50R – Still in the crate
  • 1981 Camaro z28


For more information and to register to bid, head to bit.ly/GMG-KANNENBERG-COLLECTION now!

Be sure to check out all of the other incredible motorcycles, cars, and memorabilia collected by the legendary flat track racer, Denny "Kannonball" Kannenberg, that is headed to auction on September 10th and 11th.


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