RM Auctions is to offer a 1926 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sports, one of the world’s rarest and most collectible motorcycles. The machine, frame number 820A, was despatched by the Brough Superior works on 21st January 1926 to Frank Hallam, the Brough Superior agent in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and it was first registered on 22nd August 1926. Its ownership is well-known, and it was listed in the inaugural Brough Superior Club register in 1964. The bike will go under the hammer at RM Auctions’ upcoming London sale at Battersea Evolution, 31st October 2012. The early SS100 Alpine Grand Sports model […]
RM Auctions is to offer a 1926 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sports, one of the world’s rarest and most collectible motorcycles. The machine, frame number 820A, was despatched by the Brough Superior works on 21st January 1926 to Frank Hallam, the Brough Superior agent in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and it was first registered on 22nd August 1926. Its ownership is well-known, and it was listed in the inaugural Brough Superior Club register in 1964. The bike will go under the hammer at RM Auctions’ upcoming London sale at Battersea Evolution, 31st October 2012.
The early SS100 Alpine Grand Sports model is internationally celebrated as the motorcycle made famous by the legendary British soldier T. E. Lawrence, better known as “Lawrence of Arabia”, an avid Brough Superior collector, owning more than five examples in his lifetime. Indeed, the two bikes—Lawrence’s 808A and the example on offer—are only twelve frame numbers apart, almost certainly making frame number 820A the nearest surviving matching-numbers example to T. E. Lawrence’s bike. Totally correct and fully documented, it boasts a complete recorded history from the 1930s and was the recipient of a recent, professional restoration by marque experts, the quality of which was recognized via the Baragwanath Trophy for the Best JAP-Engined SS100 at the 2010 annual Brough Superior Club Rally (Estimate: $404,000–$485,000).
“RM is fast building a reputation for offering some of the world’s most significant and rare motorcycles to the market”, says Dylan Miles, Motorcycle Specialist at RM Auctions. “This Brough Superior SS100 is arguably one of the most desirable, correct, and original examples extant and would undoubtedly be the centrepiece of any serious collection”.
Another significant bike to be offered alongside the Brough Superior at next month’s London sale is an enormously desirable 1952 Vincent Series C Black Shadow. Frame number RC 11466 B/B is a matching-numbers machine, first registered in October 1952 and has enjoyed just four owners from new. Much like the SS100 in period, the Black Shadow was considered the “king of the road” when it was introduced, representing British motorcycling at its finest. Enthusiasts interested in today’s performance-driven machines can also check out cf moto.
The bike has been subject to a full photographic restoration and has been the focus of a magazine feature, as well as being twice voted the Best Twin at the Vincent Owner’s Club rallies. The estimate for this wonderful British bike is $105,000–$121,000.
For full event details on RM’s upcoming London sale or to view a frequently updated list of auction entries, visit rmauctions.com.
