1939 Brough Superior 982cc SS80 Special

Gearbox no. IN 9616
Fuel tank no. 3447

While equalling a Rolls-Royce for quality of construction and finish, in spirit the Brough Superior was more akin to the sporting Bentley. Introduced in 1922, the JAP-powered SS80 (so-called because of its guaranteed 80mph top speed in road trim) achieved instant fame when a stripped-for-racing version (nicknamed 'Spit and Polish') 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 reappeared 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.

'FWE 884' is one of 460 Matchless-engined SS80s built, of which some 300-or-so survive. This fine, all-matching-numbers example was despatched from the Brough Superior works by rail on 9th January 1939 to Frank B Roper Ltd of Sheffield, whose supplier's plaque is fixed to the rear mudguard. The private vendor acquired the SS80 in 1982 from Mr W D Jones, former proprietor of Alex Thom Motorcycles where the machine had been on display following Jones' retirement and the closure of the business.

The buff continuation logbook records ownership in 1961 by Mr J D Lower of Whitchurch, Cardiff, though little is known of the motorcycle's earlier history. Correspondence from the Brough Superior Owners Club, dated 17th September 1968 from the then club secretary, confirms that the Club was not aware of the machine's survival at that time. The letter details the motorcycle's identifying numbers, and notes that it was last known to be with Alex Thom Motorcycles, reportedly last used in 1965. Importantly, the engine, frame, and gearbox numbers correspond with the original factory record card, as does the fuel tank number.

The Brough is offered with a most comprehensive history file including:

1. Letter dated 17th September 1968 from Bill Phelps to Mike Staines showing that the Brough was at Alex Thom Motorcycles in Cardiff at that time. It is believed that Mike Staines was then the Brough Club spares secretary.
2. Receipt letter from W D Jones dated 7th June 1982 for the vendor's purchase of the Brough. (Mr Jones was the owner of Alex Thom Motorcycles.)
3. Copy and original of the instructions which came with the bike in 1982.
4. Lucas magdyno booklet which came with the bike in 1982.
5. Buff logbook issued 1961 identifying the Brough as an SS80 Special.
6. Copy of the Works Record Card.
7. Copy of the instructions for the Brough Club's SS80 (issued to members when they borrow the machine).
8. Old MoT certificates and a tax disc from 2007.
9. Old Agreed Insurance Value certificates.
10. Four reproduction maker's sales catalogues and old press articles.
11. 1983 Club Silver Jubilee medal and Club 50 year rally booklet from 2008.
12. Sundry old receipts, etc.
13. Current V5C registration document.
14. Old registration documents.
15. 'Not For Sale' sign displayed on the Brough while it was on show at Alex Thom Motorcycles in Cardiff.

The Brough also comes with the following:

1. Tax disc holder with 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014 and 2015 tax discs.
2. Some spare internals for handlebar switches.
3. Book, Maintaining Your Brough Superior by W S Gibbard.
4. Filler cap T-bar set from Club spares.

It should be noted that the motorcycle has been run on E5 fuel with a lead-replacement additive. Following a period of inactivity, any oil that may have collected in the crankcase should be drained using the plug at the bottom of the crankcase before starting. The battery should also be switched on prior to starting. The machine was trailered to a Brough Superior Specialist in 2025 and checked over therefore, recommissioning before returning to the road should be minimal.

This represents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly original, matching-numbers example of one of the most respected and reliable side-valve models produced by the legendary Nottingham marque.

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