Lot 101

Monterey 2014

2002 AAR Alligator Motorcycle

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$17,600 USD | Sold

United States | Monterey, California

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Frame No.
1D9SB170X2S440004
  • Formerly of the Bob Pond Collection
  • Designed and inspired by Dan Gurney
  • The fourth example of thirty-six produced

70 bhp, 710 cc air-cooled four-stroke engine with EFI fuel injection, five-speed manual transmission, front suspension with 43-mm inverted cartridge fork and rear suspension with dual shock absorbers, and Brembo Goldline brakes. Wheelbase: 60 in

The AAR Alligator was conceived by famed racing driver Dan Gurney and was introduced to great acclaim at an official unveiling at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on April 24, 2002, where the motorcycle was literally “hatched” from within a Styrofoam egg.

What makes the Alligator unique is its riding position, which seats the driver much lower in the bike, providing a lower center of gravity and creating a feeling akin to sitting in a racing car. This incredibly well-designed and well-engineered bike boasts a custom-made chromoly tubular chassis, carbon fiber bodywork, and 710-cubic centimeter Honda engine and weighed in at only 320 pounds. Its performance was quite respectable, with a top speed of 140 mph and a 0–60 mph time of 3.1 seconds.

Approximately 36 Alligators were produced, which celebrates the number that Gurney’s Eagle-Westlake Formula One car wore when he won the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix.

According to a plaque on its nose, the bike offered here, chassis number 004, was delivered to Bob Pond on January 28, 2003. It was then placed on display alongside some of his other vehicles and aircraft in the Palm Springs Air Museum. The bike was well preserved while in Mr. Pond’s care, as its blue and white paint still has excellent shine and the tires show little wear. It is accompanied by its original invoice from Dan Gurney’s All American Racers, letters between Mr. Pond and Gurney regarding the motorcycle, and various magazines and promotional materials.

The Alligator was well received by motorcycling publications when new, and it proved to live up to its expectations as a fresh take on the motorcycle. Motor Trend magazine raved about the motorcycle, saying, “Get the Alligator to a twisty road, and the ergonomic philosophy becomes brilliant.” There is no doubt that this AAR Alligator will provide even the most seasoned motorcyclist with a wholly unique riding experience.