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Motorcycle Auctions are continuing to perform incredibly well and since 2016, Bonhams have sold over £40 million in motorcycles, motorcycle memorabilia and spares, reinforcing their position as UK market leaders.
Exceptional results last year included a 1973 MV Agusta 750GT that more than tripled its low auction estimate to achieve £126,500, which was a new auction world record for the model.
But Bonhams don’t just sell fully restored show winners, they cater to every corner of the market as both auctioneers and official valuers. Their catalogues are equally found to contain BSA Bantams, 400/4’s and a range of restoration projects.
And it’s a brace of exciting Brough-Superior SS100 restoration projects that presently lead entries for Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale on 22-23 April at the International Classic MotorCycle Show.
The first of these legendary superbikes of the Golden Age, a 1929 996CC SS100 ‘Alpine Grand Sports’ Sprint Special – one of the marque’s most iconic models named after the success of SS100s in the 1925 Austrian Alpine Trial – has an impressive racing pedigree, having been raced, rallied and hill-climbed by notable Brough-Superior campaigners Reg Barton and Dick Knight.
Knight fitted the motorcycle with an ex-Eric Fernihough Brooklands racing engine, built by the solo lap speed record holder at the famous Surrey racetrack, with the engine timing case stamped ‘Supplied by Fernihough Brooklands’. It is offered for sympathetic restoration to retain its ‘warhorse’ character and carries an estimate of £70,000 – 100,000.
Joining the Sprint Special is one of the earliest Matchless-powered SS100s, a 1936 Brough Superior 982CC SS100, carrying an estimate of £120,000 – 180,000. It is offered from over 50 years in current ownership, the vendor having known this motorcycle for more than 70 years, having been given lifts sitting on its petrol tank as a schoolboy.
The retired motorcycle dealer and engineer restored the SS100 to a very high standard, before campaigning the machine in club events, reaching 90mph on one occasion riding on Pendine Sands.
Due to a period of the owner’s ill health, the motorcycle was unknowingly laid up in damp storage and so the previously excellent cosmetic condition had deteriorated. Due to the vendor’s advancing years, the authentic Brough Superior, which retains its original frame and engine, is offered as an exciting opportunity to recommission and restore it to its former glory.
If neither of the SS100’s interest you, Bonhams have at least two other examples begging to be restored and put back on the road:
1927 Brough Superior Overhead 680 Project, £45,000 – 55,000
1926 Brough Superior 980cc SS80 dismantled project, £35,000 – 45,000.
Bonhams’ two-day Spring Stafford Sale is set to be another motorcycle bonanza and a good opportunity to sift through the countless spares on offer to complete that project that’s been sitting on the bench all winter!
Why not get involved and speak to the Bonhams team who provide free auction valuations!
Visit: www.bonhams.com/bikes for details of your nearest Bonhams motorcycle specialist.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 02089632817
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