£315K Brough smashes world auction record

An ultra-rare Brough Superior became the world’s most expensive motorcycle when it sold at auction in London yesterday (Sunday) for a world record £315,100.

The machine, a 1929 Brough Superior 986cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sports, becomes the most expensive motorcycle to sell at public auction beating the previous record holder, a Brough Superior SS80, which sold for £291,200 in 2012.

The sale was part of auctioneer Bonhams Bond Street Sale, a specialised sale primarily of classic cars which took place in New Bond Street. Just one other motorcycle was sold at the event, a 1950 C-Series Vincent Black Shadow which sold for  £63,100.

The SS100 is considered the ultimate incarnation of the Brough, the Nottingham-based ‘Rolls-Royce of motorcycles’ which was founded by George Brough and produced exquisite machines between 1919 and 1940, most famously for the likes of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ T.E. Lawrence. The Alpine Grand Sports was a touring edition introduced in 1925.