World’s first 130mph superbike dubbed ‘Rolls-Royce’ of motorcycles could be yours with Vintage Brough bike up for sale
THE world’s first 130mph superbike could fetch an eye-watering £280,000 when it goes under the hammer at auction.
The mint 1936 Brough Superior SS100, complete with a sidecar, was dubbed the “Rolls-Royce” of motorbikes back in the day.
Inventor George Brough made just 3,000 SS100s between 1920 and 1940 – selling them for up to £185 each, around £10,000 in today’s money.
The model’s rarity and breakneck speeds caught the eyes of mega-famous stars including playwright George Bernard Shaw and TE Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia.
Lawrence – a personal friend of Brough – owned eight Brough Superiors but it was his SS100 that killed him when he lost control near his home in Dorset, in 1935.
The one being sold was first owned by famous racer Eric Fernihough, who set the land speed record of 130mph, before a policeman acquired it.
In 1954 the 990cc machine was borrowed from the bobby by founder George Brough to take part in the 50th London to Edinburgh run.
As a thank you to the owner, Brough – who manufactured his bikes in Nottingham – had it completely restored free of charge.
The SS100 later passed to several private collectors including one living in Oklahoma, US, and another in Japan.
The spotless steel horse is now being sold by the Japanese vendor and has been shipped over 14,000 miles back to Britain.
The motorcycle and sidecar will go under the hammer at Charterhouse Auctioneers of Sherborne, Dorset, on March 30.
George Beale, specialist at the auctioneers, said: “The Brough Superior SS100 was one of the finest bike manufacturers and were dubbed the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles.
“Expensive new, they have always been held in high regard by collectors and today this fine machine is estimated at £280,000.”
A 1929 Brough Superior 986cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sports sold for £315,100 in 2014.