I'm sorry, but you just can't say you're tired of another top-tier motorcycle getting all the attention in the press. Motorcycles like the Brough Superior SS100 get all attention because they're rare, and deservedly considered among the most beautiful machines ever made. Some consider that George Brough could have 'put down his pencil' in 1924, when the new SS100 became available, such was the masterpiece he produced. But, like the the Old Master stylist he was, GB still had a few aces up his sleeve, and arguably, the late Matchless-engine SS100 was the last hurrah from the 'Rolls Royce of Motorcycles'.
When the J.A.Prestwich & Co. let the world down in 1934 by producing underdeveloped dreck for high-performance applications (single and twin-cylinder, mind you), Brough jumped ship, and sought a decent v-twin elsewhere. While he had previously used M.A.G., J.A.P, Austin, Barr&Stroud, and even a few of his own engines, none of these avenues had what he needed in the mid-30's, save A.M.C., who had recently stuck valves on top of their sv 990cc MX engine, creating the lovely MX2. With 'square' bore and stroke (85.5mm) and novel 'three cam' valve operation, the engine could not claim the rorty 80hp of the last JAP '8/75' motor, but could deliver what Brough needed - a reliable, smooth, and powerful Grand Touring device. The 40hp produced at 6,000rpm was sufficient to hurtle the new SS100 at the required 100mph, guaranteed, but in a manner a bit more refined than the old JAP racing lump could manage. Some missed the raw edge and intimidating power characteristics of the old engines, but in truth, the new MX engine suited the aging SS100 model perfectly, and my word, did it fill the 'hole in the middle of the frame' nicely.
This '38 SS100 has matching engine, frame, and gearbox numbers, according to the BS Club, and has been built to the 'Show' standard, with a little extra chrome on the mudguards and engine. A similar SS100 with MX engine sits at #7 on my 'Top 20' list, and was sold last September '08 by Bonhams for - gasp - $287,770. The economic situation will likely temper the sale price of this motorcycle, and I don't expect any records to fall. Let's hope the new owner takes it for a spin.
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