The Barry Winter Collection, 1936 Brough Superior 982cc SS80

• Assembled in the 1980s
• Present ownership since 2019
• Recent complete gearbox overhaul

While equalling a Rolls-Royce for quality of construction and finish, in spirit the Brough Superior was more akin to the sporting Bentley. In its maker's own words, the Brough Superior was 'a type of machine designed from the experienced solo rider's point of view.'

Brough entered the 1930s with an entirely JAP-powered range and then, after a brief absence, the SS80 reappeared in 1935 as the SS80 Special, this time with an engine built by Associated Motor Cycles. Although broadly 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. By now recast in the mould of luxury tourer or sidecar tug, the SS80 continued to use the AMC engine until production ceased in 1939.

This SS80 is one of 460 AMC-engined models built, of which some 300-or-so survive. In a letter on file, the Brough Club's Mike Leatherdale reveals that this SS80 was assembled by previous owner Mike Howard in the 1980s. The present engine 'BS/X 44205' came from SS80 'M8/1536', ex-works on 7th October 1935 but not registered until 1st January 1936 by Hooleys Garage. 'Our' machine's original engine, 'BS/X4 4253', was last heard of in a later frame that was sold to Queensland, Australia. The frame and registration number originate from another SS80 despatched to Godfreys of Great Portland Street, London in January 1936. Mike Howard entrusted Tony Cripps to carry out the Brough's restoration, which included fitting the Castle forks. In 2017 the engine was rebored (+0.020") and fitted with new BSC pistons, and the valves were ground in. Condition of the valves and guides was said to be good.

Our vendor purchased the Brough from Mike Howard on 19th August 2019. Works carried out since then include fitting a BSC Spares centre stand kit (February 2020); fitting a BSC Spares Karslake side stand to the left-side footrest (May 2020); fitting a new 6V battery (February 2021); fitting a new DVR2 electronic regulator from Dynamo Regulators Ltd (August 2021); and fitting new Norton clutch plates, new clutch cush drive rubbers and retaining plate from BSC Spares (September 2021).

In March 2024 the gearbox was collected from Russ Child following a complete renovation at a cost of £2,536 (see list of works on file). Russ advised that final adjustment may be required to the gear selection. The engine oil and filter were changed at the same time. Accompanying paperwork includes sundry invoices; old/current V5/V5C documents; and a substantial quantity of expired MoTs. Key not required. See running video online, showcasing this stylish and highly practical example of Brough's MX80.