The 1936 Olympia Motor Cycle Show Model, 1936 Brough Superior 982cc SS80

• Substantially original (matching frame, engine and petrol tank)
• Present family ownership since 1969
• Kept on static display
• Requires sympathetic recommissioning/restoration

Extraordinarily, we are able to offer not just one but two machines in the sale that were stars of the 1936 Olympia Motor Cycle Show! This rigid framed model SS80 is recorded as the 'Show Model' in the factory records.

Brough had 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 SS80 continued to use the AMC engine until production ceased in 1939. This example is one of 460 Matchless-engined SS80s built, of which some 300-or-so survive.

First registered on 24th December 1936, 'DJO 575' was supplied to Laytons having been dispatched on 19th November 1936 (presumably after the Olympia Show). The tank is, correctly, unnumbered, while the original gearbox ('IN 9862') still exists but is currently in an 11-50. 'DJO 575' is still fitted with a Smiths 120mph speedometer and Miller DU142 headlamp, while other notable items still present are the aluminium front chain case; non-valanced split rear mudguard; pannier bags; and foot gear controls. A pillion seat has been fitted at some stage (the machine was supplied with pillion footrests).

The Brough was purchased in 1969 (together with an MG TF) for £560 (for both) from a John Holme of Gotham, Nottinghamshire, who had acquired it in 1966. The tax disc expiring in September 1969 is still on the machine. The two previous recorded keepers in the continuation logbook are a Mr Ivan Wakley of Kibworth, Leicestershire (1955) and a Don Glover of Leicester (1958). We are advised by the Brough Superior Club that a Mr Mottley of Leicester was another previous keeper. The continuation logbook also shows the bike was regularly taxed from 1956 until 1967 and that it was once attached to a sidecar.

The change in colour occurred in the 1960s, but remnants of the chrome show finish are still visible on the cylinder barrels. The BSC notes that the SS80 still had its chrome finish in 1955, and that in 1966 it was seen at the Banbury Run painted maroon. Additional paperwork on file includes old MoTs from 1966, 1969 and 1971; an old-style V5 document; and a copy of the Works Record Card. Since purchase the Brough has been kept on static as part of an important private collection. Recommissioning and/or sympathetic restoration will be required before further use.