Bonhams Auctioneers has announced early details of the Autumn Stafford Sale, highlighting pre-war vintage machinery expected to fetch high prices.
Among the highlights of the October 12-13 auction is a 1936 Vincent-HRD Rapide Series-A, estimated to be worth between €283,500 and €331,000, and a 1928 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sport, expected to fetch between €165,000 and €213,000.
The Vincent, described as “possibly the most significant V-twin of the 20th century” is the second of 78 units produced before the war and is considered the oldest complete example still in existence.
After a meticulous 18-year restoration, the Rapide Series-A received the award for ‘Best Machine of Technical Interest’ at the Classic MotorCycle Show, Stafford in 2017, before being displayed in the owner’s living room.
Bonhams states that the offered Brough represents a “unique opportunity for discerning enthusiasts and collectors”. Since its purchase in 1982 for €2,835, it has been kept in dry storage and has been practically unused.
What makes this Brough special is the matching frame and engine numbers, along with complete documentation that adds value to the bike.
The documents show that it was initially supplied to Malcolm Vincent Ambler, Chief Motor Engineer at Shell Marketing, before being owned by several people, including speedway champion and wall of death rider Clem Beckett.
Beckett, founder of the Dirt Track Riders’ Association, fought in the Spanish Civil War and died in the Battle of Jarama in 1937 while providing cover for his comrades.
In the 1950s, under the ownership of Harry Muckalt, the Brough was rebuilt and equipped with KTOR cylinders, increasing its capacity from 998cc to 1134cc.
