LOT 509 *N
1939 Brough Superior 982cc SS80 Registration no. AHV 263 (see text) Frame no. M8/2122 Engine no. BS/X 4772
Sold for £59,800 inc. premium
Lot 509*,N
1939 Brough Superior 982cc SS80Registration no. AHV 263 (see text) Frame no. M8/2122 Engine no. BS/X 4772
1939 Brough Superior 982cc SS80
Registration no. AHV 263 (see text)
Frame no. M8/2122
Engine no. BS/X 4772
Registration no. AHV 263 (see text)
Frame no. M8/2122
Engine no. BS/X 4772
• Matching frame, engine, gearbox, and registration numbers
• Believed older restoration
• Offered from a private collection
• Requires re-commissioning
Introduced in 1922, the SS80 (so-called because of its guaranteed 80mph top speed in road trim) achieved instant fame when a stripped-for-racing version ridden by George Brough became the first sidevalve-engined machine to lap Brooklands at over 100mph. Brough 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 model continued to use the Plumstead-made engine until production ceased in 1939.
Works Records show that this SS80 left the factory on 17th April 1939 equipped with Cranford mudguards and sidecar gearing. Brough Club correspondence on file confirms that the machine retains its original frame, engine and gearbox, and has the correct forks, headlamp, saddle, and horn. The machine was invoiced to Godfreys Ltd and sent directly to Lovetts of Forest Gate, London E7 where it was registered as 'AHV 263'. This SS80 first became known to the Brough Club in 1968 when it belonged to one Roy Cowell of Royston, Hertfordshire. In November 1980 the Brough was advertised for sale - described as 'restored' - in Motor Cycle News by a Mr Sparkes of Bristol, and by 1983 belonged to the Mike Clark Scooters dealership, also of Bristol. It was last known to the Brough Club in 1987 when owned by dealer Brian Verrall. The HPI database records the Brough as exported on 25th August 1987.
Offered from a private collection, 'AHV 263' is believed to be older restoration, though nothing is known of its mechanical condition except that the engine turns over. Accordingly, this motorcycle will require re-commissioning at the very least, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's originality, correctness, and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
It should be noted that this machine is logged as 'permanently exported' with the DVLA. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the status of the registration 'AHV 263' before bidding. The successful purchaser will need to apply to the DVLA for a replacement V5C Registration Certificate. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.
• Believed older restoration
• Offered from a private collection
• Requires re-commissioning
Introduced in 1922, the SS80 (so-called because of its guaranteed 80mph top speed in road trim) achieved instant fame when a stripped-for-racing version ridden by George Brough became the first sidevalve-engined machine to lap Brooklands at over 100mph. Brough 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 model continued to use the Plumstead-made engine until production ceased in 1939.
Works Records show that this SS80 left the factory on 17th April 1939 equipped with Cranford mudguards and sidecar gearing. Brough Club correspondence on file confirms that the machine retains its original frame, engine and gearbox, and has the correct forks, headlamp, saddle, and horn. The machine was invoiced to Godfreys Ltd and sent directly to Lovetts of Forest Gate, London E7 where it was registered as 'AHV 263'. This SS80 first became known to the Brough Club in 1968 when it belonged to one Roy Cowell of Royston, Hertfordshire. In November 1980 the Brough was advertised for sale - described as 'restored' - in Motor Cycle News by a Mr Sparkes of Bristol, and by 1983 belonged to the Mike Clark Scooters dealership, also of Bristol. It was last known to the Brough Club in 1987 when owned by dealer Brian Verrall. The HPI database records the Brough as exported on 25th August 1987.
Offered from a private collection, 'AHV 263' is believed to be older restoration, though nothing is known of its mechanical condition except that the engine turns over. Accordingly, this motorcycle will require re-commissioning at the very least, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's originality, correctness, and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
It should be noted that this machine is logged as 'permanently exported' with the DVLA. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the status of the registration 'AHV 263' before bidding. The successful purchaser will need to apply to the DVLA for a replacement V5C Registration Certificate. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Should the vehicle remain in Europe, import VAT of 5% will be added to the Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium.
Additional information
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- 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST
Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |
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