a 1949 Triumph customized by Von Dutch sold for 32 thou at Bonhams

It was discovered, in boxes, among a North Hollywood collection of motorcycles and parts that included several Von Dutch items. Contemporaries recognized and verified the artwork, even though the gas tank does not bear the artist's signature. Von Dutch may have also had a hand in the bike's customization – it resembles other bob-jobs he crafted – but that fact is not as clear, records-keeping not exactly being a Von Dutch strongpoint.

A marque expert overhauled and reassembled the 650cc twin, while AMA Hall of Famer and Von Dutch acquaintance Mike Parti rebuilt the early pre-unit gearbox, incorporating a later, stronger spindle. The as-found original parts were used whenever possible, such as the rare stock SU carburetor, and including fitment of the cylindrical brass oil cooler on the frame's downtube, fabricated from an automotive transmission radiator. The Triumph has seen less than 500 miles since its rebuild and was featured in 2006's "The Art of Von Dutch," the definitive book on the artist and his work.

photos and info from http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21389/lot/348/ via http://silodrome.com/triumph-motorcycle-von-dutch/