Post Listing Update: Despite 53 bids up to $70,101, this SS80 did not meet reserve.
The Brough Superior SS80 is a legendary motorcycle, called “The Rolls-Royce of Motor Cycles” by The Motor Cycle magazine. 10 months ago, this example (from the last year of production) was purchased at a Bonhams auction for $56,042 as part of an estate sale – the bike was in pieces:
Now it’s been put back together and mechanically restored while retaining nearly all the cosmetic patina. The SS80 was so named because it was guaranteed to hit 80 miles per hour, and it became well-known as George Brough made it the first sidevalve-engine bike to lap Brooklands at over 100 miles per hour on a stripped down racing version that was called “Spit and Polish” because of its immaculate cosmetic condition. Brough would eventually compete in 52 races with Spit and Polish – he won 51 one of them. The one loss was due to a puncture. For more on the SS80 in general, check out this profile from Real Classic.
This specific Brough Superior SS80 looks amazing and is claimed to be in great running condition. It is currently in Europe “for some shows and finishing restoration details.” It’s a numbers matching bike and is one of 460 Matchless-engined SS80s. Apparently only about 300 survive, which is an impressive percentage (65% for you non-math-nerds out there). The fuel tank is non-original but most likely from another Brough. I can’t wait to see what this goes for.
Find this Brough Superior SS80 for sale in Aurora, Colorado with bidding up to $4,150 and the reserve not yet met