Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 26th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1937 Brough Superior SS80
Owned for the last 68 years
Estimate
£48, 000 - £52, 000
Registration No: ELK 559
Frame No: M8-1898
MOT: Exempt
Lot details
Registration No: ELK 559
Frame No: M8-1898
MOT: Exempt
On offer for the first time in 67 years
A very much cherished SS80
Known to the Brough Superior Club and 'correct numbers'
Starts with ease and runs very well
Complete with a current V5C and a copy of the works record card
Brough Superior is probably the most iconic and evocative name in motorcycle history, being made by George Brough in his factory on Haydn Road in Nottingham from 1919 to 1940. Only approximately 3, 048 examples were manufactured over the 21 years of production and there is thought to be only around a third of those still in existence. George Brough was a racer, designer, and showman, his father William E. Brough had been making Brough motorcycles in Nottingham since 1908 and continued to do so until 1926, but George was convinced he could improve on his father's designs, adding 'Superior' to the name to emphasise this. His motorcycles were all designed to offer high levels of performance and exceptional build quality with most being custom-built to the customer's needs, rarely did any two leave the factory in the same specification. His flair for marketing was highlighted when he successfully sought permission from the illustrious car maker to describe his machines as "The Rolls Royce of Motorcycles". After final assembly each bike was test ridden to ensure that it performed to specification and was personally certified by George Brough. George built up an impressive client list, the most famous being T. E. Lawrence "Lawrence of Arabia" who owned eight Broughs throughout his life. The SS80 was offered alongside the SS100 and the 11-50 models. Initially powered by a 988 cc J. A. P. sidevalve engine, later replaced by a 982 cc Matchless V-twin engine, it was guaranteed to reach speeds of 80mph, hence the name and impressive for its time. George Brough himself used a specially-tuned SS80, nicknamed “Old Bill,” to achieve notable racing success, including lapping the Brooklands track at over 100 mph. Of the 1, 086 SS80s made, 460 were fitted with the Matchless powerplant.
According to the Brough Superior Club, Frame No. M8-1898 was despatched from the Works with an Alpine Grand Sports sidecar chassis carrying a Cruiser body not to mention a Smiths 8-day clock. First registered as ‘ELK 559’ on November 19th 1937 to Messrs Godfrey Ltd of Great Portland St, London, the Combination entered the current family ownership some twenty-one years later. Acquired to meet the needs of a growing brood with a BSA A10 being swapped in the process, the Brough Superior required attention to its sidecar. A methodical individual, the late vendor created a facsimile of the original Cruiser body which was so good that the Brough Superior Club asked if he would make further copies for other members (an idea he declined due to the time the project had cost him). Subsequently treated to an extensive restoration during the late 1970s / early 1980s and used regularly since then, the way that the SS80 presents today is a testament to the quality of the workmanship involved. Well-maintained, ‘ELK 599’ is said to have undertaken numerous post-refurbishment trips all over the South of England. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, the Brough Superior is reportedly an ‘all correct numbers’ machine. Now exhibiting a gentle patina, this delightful Matchless-engined SS80 Combination is seemingly ready for its next long-term custodian. Offered for sale with copy Works Record Card, continuation logbook and sundry paperwork.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
