Biggest Bonhams auction flooded with brilliant Broughs
Bonhams offering performance bikes of yesteryear
More than 330 bikes from virtually every era of motorcycling will line up at next month’s three-day Bonhams Summer Stafford Sale, taking place from July 2-4. Leading the pack is a trio of Broughs, headed up by a Brough Superior SS100 1000cc Supercharged Special re-creation, which is the work of master craftsman and engineer Ewan Cameron.
The Brough specialist’s aim was to recreate the machine ridden by Noel Pope to the 124.51mph outright record at the Brooklands circuit – a record that still stands some 80 years later. Incorporating many original parts, it is every bit the period recreation and is expected to fetch £120,000-170,000. Next up is a near-100-year-old superbike in the form of a 1931 OHV 680 ‘Black Alpine’, offered by the National Motorcycle Museum. Known as the mini-SS1100, this machine was restored in the late 1970s and has been shown by the museum since. It’s expected to make £120,000- 160,000. Last but not least comes a 1937 Brough Superior 1096cc 11-50 with Petrol-Tube Sidecar, which has an estimate of £55,000-75,000. Proving that not all Broughs were destined for the track, this bike was delivered to Sheffield police force. Despite its size it was still good for 75mph with the sidecar attached and was considered one of the finest of its time with a red leather interior to the outfit. There are a lot more bikes on offer that aren’t as pricy, including a 1973 Norton Commando 850 Roadster that belonged to the late Keith Emerson, of Emerson, Lake and Palmer fame.
The three-day sale returns to the live auction format but in accordance with COVID regs, all bidders must have a ticket for the International Classic MotorCycle Show, purchased in advance from www.classicbikeshows.com.