Like many younger motorcyclists, I never fully appreciated the legend of Brough Superior—until I started digging into its history. What I found was a brand that pretty much-defined performance and craftsmanship in the early 20th century, earning its place as one of the most revered names in motorcycling.
Often called the "Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles," Brough Superior machines were meticulously hand-built, offering unmatched speed and quality in their era. Each SS100 was tested to exceed 100 miles per hour before leaving the factory—an incredible feat in the 1920s and ’30s. The exclusivity and prestige surrounding these bikes have made them some of the most desirable collector’s items in the world today.
That’s why the upcoming International Classic MotorCycle Show in Stafford, happening on April 26 to 27, 2025, is shaping up to be quite an epic event in motorcycle history. To celebrate 100 years of the SS100, the show will feature a record-breaking public display of over 20 Brough Superior SS100s—a gathering of some of the rarest and most storied machines ever built.
Among the lineup is the legendary 1929 JTOR V-twin JAP-powered George VI, once owned by none other than T.E. Lawrence—better known as Lawrence of Arabia. His deep love for Brough Superiors is well documented, and his personal collection of these bikes definitely contributed to their legendary status.
Another bike worth looking out for is the 1927 Works Scrapper, a JTOR V-twin JAP-powered speed demon built by Freddie Dixon, which held the title of the world’s fastest in 1929. Meanwhile, the Cunliffe Brough, a 1926 KTOR V-twin JAP-powered model with an eye-catching lilac and nickel finish, is another rare gem that's expected to be on display at the event.
If seeing these machines in person isn’t enough, two of these iconic SS100s will go under the hammer at Bonhams’ auction on Sunday. Considering that past Brough Superiors have fetched well over £300,000 (approximately $380,000), it wouldn’t be surprising to see bidding wars pushing prices into record-breaking territory. As classic motorcycle values continue to skyrocket, these SS100s stand as some of the most coveted investments in the world of vintage motorcycles.
Given the increasing rarity of these machines, collectors and museums will undoubtedly be vying to claim ownership.
But even if you don’t have deep enough pockets to bid on one of these legends, the Stafford show is still a must-visit event for any motorcycle enthusiast. With trade stands, memorabilia, autojumble stalls, club displays, and live entertainment, there’s plenty to see and experience. And, of course, getting up close with these historic Brough Superiors is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Suffice it to say that whoever ends up with these machines won’t just be buying motorcycles—they’ll be owning a piece of motorcycling royalty.
Sources: Bonhams, Superbike News
