1936 Brough Superior 982cc SS80 Project

Gearbox no. IN5123

• Matching registration, frame, engine and gearbox
• Present ownership since 1959
• Offered for restoration

Brough entered the 1930s with an entirely JAP-powered range and then, after a brief absence, the SS80 reappeared in 1935 as the SS80 Special, this time with an engine built by Associated Motor Cycles. Although broadly 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. By now recast in the mould of luxury tourer or sidecar tug, the SS80 continued to use the AMC engine until production ceased in 1939.

This SS80 is one of 460 AMC-engined models built, of which some 300-or-so survive. Its BSOC copy Works Card confirm this is a matching frame, engine and gearbox example. This SS80 was supplied to Layton's of Oxford and registered as 'CWL 750' on 24th March 1933 to its first owner, a Mr William Southby of Wallingford. Items of special equipment listed include a chromed, enamelled and lined fuel tank; foot gear control; separate oil tank; hinged rear mudguard; aluminium oil bath front chain case; and top and bottom rear chain covers. Previously attached to a Steib S501 sidecar - sold many years ago – the SS80 has been fitted with a Triumph-style front mudguard and a custom exhaust manufactured in period by the current owner. The tank's origins are unknown; tank plaque/number is not a Brough number but clearly very early, possibly connected with a repair.

The Brough was purchased by the vendor in September 1959; it had been advertised in the Leicester Mercury with no telephone number. The vendor and his wife visited the listed address on a whim, and found that the motorcycle was still available. The Brough was ridden for a couple of years as family transport before being stripped for restoration; however, the restoration stalled and the motorcycle has been laid up for decades. The rear stand is missing and prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the presence and completeness of all other parts. Various components are detached including the footrests (with Norton rubbers); rear brake pedal; and some other minor parts. It should be noted that the tank, saddle and headlamp shell are loosely assembled.

Offered with old/current V5/V5C documents; a good quantity of old Brough Superior Owners Club bulletins; some photocopied marque-related literature; the aforementioned copy Works Card; and an old-style continuation buff logbook, issued in 1955 and listing the current owner as '4th change'. A potentially most rewarding restoration project.
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