1939 Brough Superior 982cc SS80 Special Frame no. M8/2086 Engine no. BS/X 4643 (see text)

1939 Brough Superior 982cc SS80 Special Registration no. FJJ 398 Frame no. M8/2086 Engine no. BS/X 4643 (see text) •Matching frame, engine and gearbox •Restored condition Brough had entered the 1930s with an entirely JAP-powered range, and then, after a brief absence, the SS80 re-appeared in 1935 as the SS80 Special, this time with an engine built by Associated Motor Cycles. Similar to that of the Matchless Model X, the 982cc sidevalve v-twin incorporated Brough's preferred 'knife-and-fork' big-end bearing arrangement instead of the side-by-side connecting rods of the Matchless. The SS80 continued to use the AMC engine until production ceased in 1939. 'FJJ 398' is one of 460 Matchless-engined SS80s built, of which some 300-or-so survive. This Brough Superior SS80 was despatched on 22nd December 1938 to Godfreys Ltd, Croydon in standard specification with a rigid frame. A 20T engine sprocket was specified, indicating that the machine was intended for sidecar use (the solo equivalent was 23T). It should be noted that this SS80's engine was stamped '4643' in error by AMC; it should have been stamped '4743' and as a result there are two engines in existence numbered '4643' (see explanatory letter from the Brough Club's Mike Leatherdale on file). The Brough combination's early history is not known prior to its purchase by Mr Bob Thomas in 1947. The existing sidecar was replaced with a Blacknell chassis, to which Mr Thomas fitted his own home-built sidecar. A skilled sheet-metal worker in the aircraft industry, he went on to build a caravan to be towed by the Brough combination (see photocopied article from The Classic Motorcycle on file and biography written by his sons). In 2024 'FJJ 398' featured in the Brough Club calendar in a period shot of the combination towing the caravan. When the Brough was part-exchanged with Comerfords of Thames Ditton in 1958 the sidecar was still attached. The SS80's history for the next three years is not known, but the accompanying old-style continuation logbook (issued in February 1961) lists the owner as Ronald Hough of Surbiton, Surrey, who was followed later that same year by John Soole of Barnes, SW3. 'FJJ 398' was still being taxed as a sidecar combination at this time. Our vendor purchased the Brough in 2015 from John Soole in a partly dismantled state and with some parts restored; restoration work was completed by a fellow member of the Brough Club. The machine last ran within the last six months and the engine has been turned over regularly. The accompanying history file is substantial, containing further correspondence, photographs, sundry bills, Brough Superior Club newsletters, service information, spares list, current V5C document, and a workshop manual. Key not required Footnotes: All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles. To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles To request an International shipping quote - Shippio For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing