New York – Christie’s announced that it will auction over 70 motorcycles from the personal collection of singer‑songwriter Billy Joel. The sale, scheduled for Nov. 20 and 21, will also include two classic Jaguar automobiles and a 1941 pickup truck, giving collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to acquire items once owned by the beloved “Piano Man.”
Joel’s passion for two‑wheel freedom
Joel, who grew up on Long Island, has long spoken about his love of motorcycles. In a recent interview inside his former shop in Oyster Bay, he described his aesthetic as a preference for “older model automotive styles from the ’30s‑’60s.” He emphasized that he never saw himself as a collector, but rather as a rider who bought bikes to enjoy and improve them.
Angus Dykman, a car and motorcycle specialist with Christie’s, echoed that sentiment, noting, “The bikes were meant to ride. He was a rider, an enthusiast. He didn’t think of himself as a collector; he just bought bikes because he wanted to ride them and then modify them so they would ride better.”
Highlights from the lot
The auction will feature a range of motorcycles dating from the early 1950s to as recent as 2022. Among the most notable pieces is a 1978 Triumph Bonneville that was presented to Joel by Madison Square Garden to commemorate his 150th sold‑out show at the venue. The bike comes with a matching helmet that lists every concert and year Joel performed at the Garden. Dykman added, “It was given to him backstage; Axl Rose was backstage, and it comes with this matching helmet.”
Also included is a 1982 Ducati replica of the motorcycle ridden by legendary racer Mike Hailwood. Dykman explained, “There was a rider who was very famous named Mike Hailwood. He retired from racing about 13 years and had this miracle comeback victory in the 1970s.”
Estimates for individual lots vary. Some motorcycles are expected to fetch more than $100,000, while others are projected in the $10,000‑$15,000 range. Dykman said the collection reflects Joel’s “working‑man ethos,” noting that the singer‑songwriter is “not being this pretentious guy; his whole thing is being this regular guy.”
Additional vehicles and memorabilia
In addition to the motorcycles, the sale will feature two Jaguar automobiles and a 1941 pickup truck. The truck is notable for its original sales invoice showing a purchase price of $650, a detail that Dykman highlighted as a glimpse into automotive history.
Joel himself expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming sale, saying, “I’ve loved building this collection, now it’s someone else’s turn to hit the road.”
What this means for local collectors
Christie’s auction house, with its global reputation for handling high‑profile memorabilia, brings a significant cultural event to New York City. Local collectors, especially those with an interest in classic motorcycles and vintage automobiles, will have direct access to items that blend pop‑culture history with automotive heritage. The auction also underscores the city’s ongoing role as a hub for high‑value collectibles, reinforcing New York’s status as a market for both art and motor‑sport enthusiasts.
Potential bidders are encouraged to review the preview catalog on Christie’s website and to register for the auction in advance. As the date approaches, further details on lot numbers and reserve prices will be released.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
