Description
This motorcycle is Lot 31 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online January Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between January 17th through January 27th, with lots closing from midday January 27th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 22nd January 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 31
1939 Brough Superior 982cc SS80 Special
Registration no. FJJ 398
Frame no. M8/ 2086
Engine no. BS/ X 4643 (see text)
Matching frame, engine and gearbox
Restored condition
Brough had entered the 1930s with an entirely JAP-powered range, and then, after a brief absence, the SS80 re-appeared in 1935 as the SS80 Special, this time with an engine built by Associated Motor Cycles. Similar to that of the Matchless Model X, the 982cc sidevalve v-twin incorporated Brough's preferred 'knife-and-fork' big-end bearing arrangement instead of the side-by-side connecting rods of the Matchless. The SS80 continued to use the AMC engine until production ceased in 1939. 'FJJ 398' is one of 460 Matchless-engined SS80s built, of which some 300-or-so survive.
This Brough Superior SS80 was despatched on 22nd December 1938 to Godfreys Ltd, Croydon in standard specification with a rigid frame. A 20T engine sprocket was specified, indicating that the machine was intended for sidecar use (the solo equivalent was 23T). It should be noted that this SS80's engine was stamped '4643' in error by AMC; it should have been stamped '4743' and as a result there are two engines in existence numbered '4643' (see explanatory letter from the Brough Club's Mike Leatherdale on file).
The Brough combination's early history is not known prior to its purchase by Mr Bob Thomas in 1947. The existing sidecar was replaced with a Blacknell chassis, to which Mr Thomas fitted his own home-built sidecar. A skilled sheet-metal worker in the aircraft industry, he went on to build a caravan to be towed by the Brough combination (see photocopied article from The Classic Motorcycle on file and biography written by his sons). In 2024 'FJJ 398' featured in the Brough Club calendar in a period shot of the combination towing the caravan. When the Brough was part-exchanged with Comerfords of Thames Ditton in 1958 the sidecar was still attached.
The SS80's history for the next three years is not known, but the accompanying old-style continuation logbook (issued in February 1961) lists the owner as Ronald Hough of Surbiton, Surrey, who was followed later that same year by John Soole of Barnes, SW3. 'FJJ 398' was still being taxed as a sidecar combination at this time. Our vendor purchased the Brough in 2015 from John Soole in a partly dismantled state and with some parts restored; restoration work was completed by a fellow member of the Brough Club. The machine last ran within the last six months and the engine has been turned over regularly.
The accompanying history file is substantial, containing further correspondence, photographs, sundry bills, Brough Superior Club newsletters, service information, spares list, current V5C document, and a workshop manual.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
