1937 Brough Superior SS80

In the 1920s and ‘30s if you were wealthy and loved speed, then the Brough Superior SS80 was the motorcycle for you.   

George Brough assembled the SS80 from handpicked components to create what was advertised as the ‘Rolls-Royce of motorcycles’ – a claim that Rolls-Royce themselves approved.

For many riders, the SS80 was their finest machine because it was fast, stable and comfortable with enviable handling.  Some were fitted with elegant sidecars, enhancing its looks and touring ability. The big, low-revving, compact V-Twin was paired with a four-speed gearbox and drum brakes all round.  This specification gave excellent power, refinement and cleanliness. Here was a bike that could hit 80mph – and if that wasn’t fast enough, Brough would build you a SS100 – which was guaranteed to reach 100mph!

Success in motorsport helped captivate thrill-seekers like T. E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia.

With just over 1,000 built from 1922, the SS80 was their most successful model. It remained in production until 1940.