From a venerable brand, the 1939 Brough Superior 982cc SS80 Special is a unique and amazing motorbike. Rich in history and with distinctive characteristics that set this particular bike apart from antique motorcycles, It was developed during a period when Brough Superior was well-known for building high-performance motorcycles, and the SS80 Special is the ideal illustration of their technical mastery. Let’s examine its background, features, and reasons for current value.
The Brough Superior SS80 Special: A Classic Motorcycle
Introduced originally in 1935, the Brough Superior SS80 In terms of motorbike performance and design, it was a major advance. Appearing soon after, the SS80 Special kept running the 982cc engine built by Associated Motor Cycles (AMC).
Though it featured certain unusual characteristics, such the “knife-and–fork” big-end bearing system, its engine, a sidevalve V-twin, resembled Matchless motorcycles. This design enabled the SS80 to be a dependable and robust bike fit for long-distance riding and heavy use.
Built for great performance, the bike had a strong construction and a rigid frame. Like the model we are talking about here, the 1939 one was meant for sidecar combinations as well as solo usage. Their attractiveness grew even more when some of these motorcycles were utilized for sidecar racing and touring.
The Unique Features of the 1939 Model
The matched engine and frame of this particular Brough Superior SS80 is one of its main characteristics. The bike registered under FJJ 398, with engine number BS/X 4643 and a frame number M8/2086. Collectors and aficionados find this matching collection of components more valuable.
Another noteworthy issue is that during manufacturing the engine was stamped wrongly. Originally meant to be BS/X 4743, the engine was stamped BS/X 4643 by error. Although this mistake has led to uncertainty, it does not diminish the authenticity of the bike.
December 22, 1938 saw the SS80 sent to Godfreys Ltd in Croydon. At that period, the conventional specification called for a rigid frame, which increased the bike’s stability.
It was also fitted with a 20T engine sprocket, which suggested sidecar usage. This is a major characteristic since longer distances and heavier loads were sometimes covered with sidecar combinations.
The Restoration Process and History
The history of this particular 1939 Brough Superior SS80 is interesting. After being built in 1938, the bike’s early history is unclear. It was purchased by Mr. Bob Thomas in 1947, who replaced the original sidecar with a Blacknell chassis and fitted his own custom-built sidecar.
Bob Thomas was a skilled sheet-metal worker in the aircraft industry and even built a caravan that could be towed by the Brough combination. In 2024, this bike appeared in the Brough Club calendar in a period photo, showing the combination towing the caravan.
In 1958, the bike was part-exchanged with Comerfords of Thames Ditton. It remained in use as a sidecar combination for several years, and its ownership changed hands a few times. In 2015, the current owner purchased the bike in a partly dismantled state.
Since then, the motorcycle has been fully restored by a fellow member of the Brough Club. The bike’s engine has been regularly turned over, and it was last run within the past six months.
Why Is the 1939 Brough Superior SS80 Special So Valuable?
The 1939 Brough Superior SS80 Special’s worth resides in its historical relevance, rarity, and restoration quality. Collectors really value these only about 300 of these bikes since they are still in somewhat limited numbers.
The original components of this bike, matching numbers, and intriguing past contribute to its attraction. The restoration projects guarantee that it is in perfect shape, ready for enjoyment by the future owner.
At a forthcoming online auction, this motorcycle is projected to attract between £40,000 and £50,000 (INR42,00,000 – INR53,00,000).
Its great price is justified by its great historical worth, unusual characteristics, and superb restoration quality. The Brough Superior SS80 Special is a legendary piece of history whether your passion is vintage motorcycles or antique autos.
The Importance of the Brough Superior Brand
Regarding bikes, Brough Superior is a name linked with quality and originality. Originally started in the early 1900s, the company quickly became well-known for building perfectly made, high-performance motorcycles.
The SS80 series was one of their most well-known designs; the 1939 Brough Superior SS80 Special shows their skill.
Along with devotees, celebrities and nobility also adored the bikes. Renowned owner of many Brough Superior bikes was T.E. Lawrence, sometimes known as Lawrence of Arabia. His loyalty to the company has added to its legendary appeal.
All things considered, among classic vehicles, the 1939 Brough Superior 982cc SS80 Special is an incredible motorbike with unique qualities and long legacy. Its rarity paired with its flawless restoration and matching engine and frame make this most sought-after item for collectors.
Celebrated for its excellence and originality, the Brough Superior brand has become somewhat well-known in motorbike history; this particular model best captures the genius of the brand. If you are lucky enough to own such a motorcycle, you are more than just riding; you are carrying a piece of history.
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