Rolls Royce of Motorcycles Sold for World Record Price

European auctioneer H&H has just confirmed the sale of a 1929 Brough Superior, which became the world’s most expensive motorcycle when it sold for a record-breaking GBP286,000 ($455,400) at the auction held at the Haynes International Motor Museum last month.

The spring frame SS100 – a 1,000cc V-twin guaranteed to top 100 mph (161 km/h) and known as the “Rolls Royce of Motorcycles,” was sold to a private collector.

“1929 saw 29 SS100s produced in Pendine and Grand Alpine form with the option of the B and D sprung frame and the three speed "super heavyweight" gearbox, although a few are believed to have been built with the standard unit. 1929 also saw the introduction of the new dual headlight, as fitted to the machine offered, although not all the 1929 SS100s were so equipped,” H&H says.

The example in question was purchased by the former vendor as a complete, original machine in need of a complete restoration. It was restored between 2000 and 2001 and has subsequently been used extensively travelling to Scotland, Spain, France, Austria and Italy. The bikes was offered with a Swansea V5C and a dating certificate.

The big Brough joins an exclusive club of classic motorcycles that have soared in value in recent years – in 2008 an SS100 sold at auction for ‘only’ GBP163,200 ($260,000 at the currente exchange rate). Also in 2008 a supercharged 1949 Vincent Black Lightning reached GBP221,500 ($353,000) while a year earlier a 1927 Zenith V-twin and sidecar fetched GBP177,500 ($283,000). In 2000 a 1954 AJS Porcupine – the 500cc vertical twin racer like the one that won the first World Championship – fetched GBP163,600 ($260,500).

The record for the top price achieved by a motorcycle at auction had previously been held by a 1915 overhead camshaft Cyclone board track racer, which sold for $551,200 in July 2008. At that time the pound sterling was worth $1.98, making the Cyclone’s price GBP278,400.