Brough motorcycle sets auction record

A rare Brough motorcycle became the centre of a bidding war when it went under the hammer this week in Melbourne.

The 1933 Brough Superior SS100 Spring Frame Model sold for a whopping $338,000 to a private buyer, citing the machine’s Australian history and provenance as key factors behind the purchase.

It’s the second highest price ever paid for a motorcycle in Australia.

Most people have never heard of Brough, regarded as the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles back in the day.

But it was the motorcycle made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. In fact he died riding one.

One of just seven hand-built in 1933, this was the first time a Brough Superior SS 100 had been offered at auction here in over three decades.

Just 283 were ever made, each built to order, powered by a 1000cc V-twin engine in a double-cradle frame, and sold with a guarantee of 100 mph plus performance.

Donington Auctions’ example went to its first UK owner in early 1933, before coming to Australia around 1960.

After many years stored in a wine cellar, it was restored by a noted South Australian collector, then sold to New Zealand, before returning to Australia in the hands of the vendor in 2023.

“Today’s exceptional result highlights the ongoing strength of the collector motorcycle market, with rare and historically significant machines continuing to attract strong competition from enthusiasts and collectors alike, despite broader economic uncertainty,” Donington’s Cameron Sabine said.

“On behalf of our clients, we are delighted to have once again set new Australian auction records.”

Top four motorcycle auction results in Australia

Rank	Motorcycle	Result	Date	Auction House
1	1927 Harley-Davidson FHA 8-Valve V-Twin Racer	$600,000	Sep-15	Shannons Auctions
2	1933 Brough Superior SS100	$338,000	31-May-26	Donington Auctions
3	1954 Vincent Black Shadow Series C	$151,500	Sep-25	Donington Auctions
4	1973 MV Agusta 750S	$151,000	Sep-24	Donington Auctions