1938 Brough Superior SS100

SOLD

Brough entered the 1930s with an entirely JAP-powered range and then, after a brief absence, the SS80 reappeared in 1935 as the SS80 Special, this time with an engine built by Associated Motor Cycles. The following year the SS100 adopted an overhead-valve version of the AMC power unit, and the two models continued to use the Plumstead-made engines until production ceased in 1939.

Its Brough Superior Club copy works record card reveals that this particular SS100 – frame number ‘M1/1936’, engine number ‘BS/X2 1039’ – was supplied new to C R Hussey in 1938. Records describe it as an ex-Henry Laird demonstrator with matching engine and frame numbers.

The current owner purchased the Brough in January 1997. We are advised that it was running well at that time and has only done a few hundred miles since. Previous owner Bob Shapiro had recently taken the Brough on a rally to Switzerland. Bob told the vendor that the engine had spent some time in a Morgan three-wheeler before being reunited with the frame. It is assumed that the extra oil feed to the top of the engine dates from its time in the Morgan.

Some time later, in 2015, the cycle parts were restored by Gordon Nicholls at British Classic Motorcycles of Yatton, Bristol. Gordon also removed the engine top-end for inspection and found that little required attention; a minor welded repair was made to one valve cover and rocker, and all eight cylinder barrel studs were replaced with stainless steel alternatives (invoice available). Additional paperwork consists of the 1997 purchase receipt, an old MoT (expired 1997) and an old-style V5 registration document.