The Michael ("Mick") Brough Collection, 1924 Brough Superior 981cc SS80 / Mk1 'Special' Replica Project (see text)

Gearbox no. 65741 (outer) and shell no. 1GP HW65741

Together with Triumph/Brough Rolling Chassis
Registration no. IK 7127
Frame no. 8/2187

While equalling a Rolls-Royce for quality of construction and finish, in spirit the Brough Superior was more akin to the sporting Bentley. In its maker's own words, the Brough Superior was 'a type of machine designed from the experienced solo rider's point of view.' To prove the point, Brough lost no time in demonstrating his machine's capabilities in the most attention-grabbing way possible - by racing at Brooklands. 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 became the first sidevalve-engined machine to lap the Surrey track at over 100mph. Even more surprising was the fact that this landmark figure had been achieved on its maker's Brooklands debut. That particular Brough Superior SS80 - subsequently re-christened 'Old Bill' - went on to win 51 out of 52 races contested, only failing in the last when a tyre burst.

The separate Triumph rolling chassis, and Brough-Superior engine offered here formed part of Lot 407 sold by Bonhams at Beaulieu in September 2017. At that time we said: "This SS80 comes with a Brough Superior Club copy Works Record Card showing that it was supplied new as a solo to S Wallace, Belfast, the Brough Superior agent for Ulster. The Brough was despatched from the factory on 10th March 1924 and registered to its first owner, one Dell McRae, on 9th October 1924. The original registration was 'IK 7127', and subsequent owners are listed on the WRC. Its original frame having broken, the Brough was later rebuilt using the frame from a rare Triumph CTT, a top-of-the-range 500cc twin-port sports model made from 1929 to 1931. The rebuild was carried out in Ireland, and the change of frame noted by the licensing authorities in 1958. The Webb forks were probably fitted at this time, but few would deny that the result of this unlikely Brough/Triumph marriage is most successful. The current vendor purchased the Brough in 1979 from Felix Burke of Cheltenham, a prominent VMCC and BSC member. We are advised that it is in running condition, both the engine and gearbox having been renovated. It should be noted that the gearbox is not from a Brough, and that the WRC incorrectly records the engine number as '13842', this mistake being attributed to a clerical error as all other records show '13642'. Presented in charming 'oily rag' condition, this unusual Brough Superior 'Special' is offered with the 1979 purchase receipt, a copy of its old Irish logbook, and the aforementioned copy WRC."

Following purchase, the late Michael Brough campaigned this motorcycle in its 'as purchased' form. In 2023 he had the engine rebuilt by Hamlins Engineering (£1,624 invoice on file); works included checking the bores; fitting four new valves; cutting the valve seats; boring cylinder liners to 84mm; and pegging liners.

On file is a 2019 Brough Superior Owners Club invoice for an early-type main shaft and a 2021 BSOC invoice totalling £617.00 for the following:

FR36 - Pillion footrest alloy end cap (Qty: 2)
DF01A - Damper knob insert
FR01B - Battery box c/w battery
FR33 - Footrest rubber carrier plain (Qty: 2)
H03A - Headlamp peak for wide rim
H07A - Lucas headlamp side bolt (polished) (Qty: 2)
FR25A - Footrest hanger (Mark 1) (Qty: 2)
FR18 - Brake pedal heel operated (RHS)
CG04 - Primary chain case (early open type up to 1928)

Further copies of invoices and notes on file suggest the following works:

Engine, Carburettor & Fuel System
Float kit (bottom feed carburettor)
Carburettor repair kit (Type 6/76/276)
Needle jet
Main jets (150 and 160 sizes)

Kickstart & Gearbox Repairs
Kickstart pawl plate
Kickstart stop plate
Kickstart pawl

Transmission & Clutch
Second-hand Sturmey Archer clutch plate

Cycle Parts & Bodywork
New mudguards imported from Australia
Two spun steel hemispheres (Ø171 mm) supplied by Orfa Visser, likely for fabrication work such as lamps, tanks, toolboxes or other specialist components

Fuel & Oil Tank Fittings
Petrol/oil tank mounting rubbers (4)
CMC cap pivot screws (2)

Cables & Fittings
John Bull cable ties (85 mm) × 4
John Bull cable ties (104 mm) × 4

Lubricants & Commissioning
Silkolene Osmaston 50 engine oil (4 litres)

Following the above works Michael entered the 2024 Vintage Revival event at Montlhéry, France. It was described as follows: "Racing motorcycle sent to Ireland from the Brough Superior works raced in both the 1924 and 1925 Ulster Grand Prix firstly by Sam Wallace and in 1925 by Douglas McCrae who is listed in the Works record cards as the first registered owner. The Brough Superior is registered IK 7127, which is its 1924 original registration number. IK 7127 was running in second place behind Stanley Woods in 1925."

Circa 2023 a replica SS80 frame was commissioned by Mike Brough and expertly manufactured by noted specialists Jake Robins Vintage Engineering. Following the Montlhéry event, Michael removed the engine from the Triumph-based Brough and installed it in the Brough Superior replica frame. The project currently remains at the 'dry build' stage, providing an exceptional opportunity for a new owner to complete the machine in accordance with Mike's original vision. Mike intended the motorcycle to be finished to racing specification, reflecting his lifelong enthusiasm for competition and performance engineering, qualities that are evident throughout his wider collection.

As the current replica frame remains unregistered and would, under DVLA reconstructed classic vehicle criteria, likely be allocated a new registration, the Triumph rolling chassis assumes particular historical significance, as it is offered with a V5C for the registration number 'IK 7127'. It is the only major component retaining an established registration number and documented continuity of history with the original machine. Accordingly, the Triumph rolling chassis is included in the sale, thereby preserving the motorcycle's provenance, historical integrity, and traceable ownership record. Accompanying documents include the following:

Provenance & Historical Documentation
1979 Purchase receipt
2017 Bonhams listing
Eire logbook photocopy entry images
Previous owner images with the machine
S. Wallace Belfast Record Card
Works Record Card copy extract
V5C registration document for the Triumph rolling chassis (registered as a Brough Superior).

Restoration & Engineering Records
2019 BSOC main-shaft Invoice
2021 BSOC parts invoice
2023 Hamlins Engineering engine work
Invoices (various)

Club correspondence
BSOC letters

Competition & event history
Ulster Grand Prix programme (September 1925)
Ulster GP list of competitors
2024 Montlhéry Vintage Revival entry confirmation

Advertising & Period Material
Briggs & McCrae 1925 Advertisement
Period Photograph

Restoration work summary (from invoices)
Carburettor overhaul and tuning components
Kickstart mechanism repairs
Norton four-speed gearbox acquisition
Sturmey Archer clutch component replacement
New mudguards fabricated/supplied
Fuel and oil tank mounting hardware renewal
Cable and control fittings replacement
Engine oil and recommissioning consumables
Engine engineering work by Hamlins Engineering (2023)

The above provides a comprehensive record covering provenance, ownership history, factory records, restoration work, engineering invoices, competition history, and current registration status for the Triumph rolling chassis. This motorcycle will require completion to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Accordingly, prior to bidding, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality, mechanical condition, and validity of the registration number 'IK 7217'.
Key not required