New Zealand Racing Legends Motorcycle Goes Up For Auction

New Zealand Racing Legends Motorcycle Goes Up For Auction - Ginger Molloy's 1968 Bultaco TSS

The legendary and historic 1968 Bultaco motorcycle, included in Webb’s 19 October Classic Motorcycle & Car Auction, was originally built by the Spanish motorcycling company; Bultaco, specifically for our very own racing legend Ginger Molloy (b.1937).

Ginger Molloy is one of New Zealand greatest and most well-liked race pilots of the 1960s. He was also one of Bultaco’s most loyal and consistent riders of the period. Encapsulating the spirit and promise of early-1960s’ motorcycle racing, Molloy caught a lift from Huntly and a boat to the Continental circus where, with blood, sweat and tears, he earned a ride with the charismatic and very Spanish Bultaco team. The Bultaco connection can be traced back to ace tuner Frank Sheene (father of Barry) who sourced Ginger his first competitive Bultaco.

Competing at the highest level between 1963 and 1970, Ginger competed in more than 370 international events and enjoyed considerable success. In 1966, he won Bultaco’s first-ever Grand Prix, the 250cc Ulster GP, run in torrential rain. What is also not widely known is that 1968 was perhaps Ginger’s best year; he gained 3rd in the 125, 4th in the 350 and 5th in the 250 world titles, all on Bultacos. In 1970, he finished second to Giacomo Agostini in the 500cc world championship. Overall, Ginger Molloy has clocked up 66 international victories.

Going under the hammer next Thursday is Ginger Molloy's very own 1968 Bultaco TSS which was was built specifically for Molloy and on which he achieved an impressive 3rd place in the World Championship. (Phil Read gained 1st place with Yamaha, Bill Ivy 2nd place on another Yamaha). This historic Bultaco has remained in Ginger Molly’s possession since. Three years ago, Ginger personally stripped down and rebuilt the machine. Today the machine is in immaculate condition reflecting the pragmatic attention that can come only from competing at the very highest level of motorcycling.

As Webb's Managing Director Neil Campbell states, "We are thrilled to be offering a bike of such significance, it's one of the highlights amongst an exceptional range of rare and important classics on offer to the passionate investor. The auction celebrates some of the finest machines in Australasia. Spanning over 100 years of motorcycling history".

All of the machines are currently on view at SHED 5, 90 Wellesly Street, Auckland City. The Auction is to be held at SHED 5 next Thursday 19 October at 6:30pm. View the bikes at SHED 5 Mon-Fri 9am - 3pm daily or view the catalogue now online at http://www.webbs.co.nz/auction/classic-motorcycles-and-cars-day

ENDS

© Scoop Media