The Brough Superior SS80 models were built between 1922 and 1940 with just over 1,000 examples of the famed V-twin motorcycle being made. What really put the marque on the map though was its connection to T.E Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. Lawrence is thought to have owned eight examples of the legendary machines, with another one still being built for him at the time of his death in 1935.
Lawrence was riding a Brough at the time of his passing, out on the roads in Dorset just a couple of months after leaving the armed forces. His death though didn’t harm the Brough name, and today the bikes are held in a similar high regard to those other great British bikes, the Vincent Black Shadows.
With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see that a mint example of one of these historic machines is set to make between £65,000 and £70,000 when it goes up for auction on October 26, with the seller of the bike letting it go due to ill health. As is the way with these machines, the scarcity of them can frequently push the final hammer price up much higher than the estimate, and if two potential owners are in the room on the day and a bidding war breaks out, the sky is the limit. The auctioneer for this one is Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers, and the sale will be taking place at the Haynes International Motor Museum.
Speaking about the lot, Charterhouse auctioneer, George Beale, said:
“Brough Superiors are held in the highest regard by all motorcycle collectors and this SS80 will be a great addition to any collection.”
The bike forms part of a more than 100-strong sale of motorcycles, memorabilia, parts and more. Viewing is taking place on October 26 and more information can be found on the official website.
