A rare 1933 British motorcycle now up for auction online as part of a collection out of Melbourne is attracting six-figure bids.
The 1933 Brough Superior SS100 Spring Frame Model is expected to sell for the price of a small city apartment, Donington Auctions says.
It is among 40 lots in a classic and vintage motorcycle collection now up for auction online with bidding set to close on May 31.
The British bike is expected to sell for $360,000-$380,000. According to the website’s bidding history, there have been 15 bids made as of today (May 26) which opened at $100,000 and now stands at $132,000 (below reserve).
This model of motorbike was made famous by Englishman Colonel T.E Lawrence (better known as “Lawrence of Arabia”); click here for more details about him.
It is the first time in over 30 years that a Brough Superior SS 100 is up for auction in Australia.
BRITISH LUXURY ON TWO WHEELS
The bike is the brainchild of Nottingham (UK) marque founder George Brough, who had set out to build the ‘ultimate’ luxury motorcycle.
Powered by a 1000cc V-twin engine in a double-cradle frame, the bike made its debut at the 1924 Olympia Show with a guaranteed 100-mph (160kmh)-plus performance.
Each bike was built to order. This motorbike was one of seven made in 1933 and sold to an Essex owner in 1933 before it was eventually imported into Australia around 1960.
It then spent many years stored in a wine cellar before it was bought by a South Australian collector who restored it.
This Brough Superior was then sold to New Zealand but returned to Australia into the hands of the current owner in 2023.
“In terms of motorcycle collectability, the Brough Superior is the pinnacle,” Donington Auctions’ Cameron Sabine says.
“Just 283 were ever made and they so rarely come to market, particularly in this country where they are rare and tightly held.
“Interest in this example is certainly strong.”
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