and here is one I would really like,
it is a Brough Superior, this particular one known as ‘Old Bill’, which has featured in every book ever written about the incomparable Brough marque, it ticks all the boxes, and has been consigned by H&H for auction as part of the Roger Allen Collection at the company’s Duxford sale on October 4,
the bike registration is number FR 3925, frame number KTRE9069 and has a 980 cc engine, the model is the SS80, but what makes this bike so special is its history, having convinced his family that sprinting and hillclimbing were safer pursuits than circuit racing, Brough rebuilt the motorcycle with special forks and a prototype JAP engine, and named it ‘Old Bill’ in memory of Bruce Bairnsfather’s WWI cartoon character, with George in the saddle, it went on to win no less than 51 sprints in the 1922/1923 seasons,
as an aside TE Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia died six days after crashing a Brough Superior SS100, he regrettably was not wearing a crash helmet and suffered major head and chest injuries, whilst many may think that the bikes are no longer made it is still possible to buy a new one,
British-born Mark Upham has resurrected the brand, buying the rights in 2008, the new bikes are entirely hand-made, at a rate of five a year, and are identical to their predecessors, except for the use of some modern materials, the new bikes are absolutely faithful to the originals, down to the nickel-plated petrol tank and 60 cubic inch JAP V-Twin engine - and that means a top speed of 100mph, about 55mpg and a weight of 300lb - very slight in comparison to today's bikes, each machine is handmade to order - Mark Upham is reluctant to reveal the price, but will say that a new Superior will cost 'more than £120,000' so cheque books out, bid for the old one or go for a new one? oh the agony of choice!
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