Three beautiful British motorcycles from pre-war days will headline Bonhams sale at the National Motor Museum’s Beaulieu Autojumble held on Sept. 10th. The oldest model, estimated at £22,000 – £28,000, is a 498cc NUT v-twin, which is believed to be one of only five produced in 1919 for that year’s Isle of Man TT. The other two are a 499cc Rudge Special and 982cc Brough Superior SS80, both dating from the late 1930s. Estimated to sell for a mere £6,000 – £8,000, the 1937 499cc Rudge Special was bought in 1955 by one of the members of the despatch riders display team that was formed by the City of London Signals, a Territorial Army unit.
The team was formed in 1935 and members rode their own machines, before Rudge became sponsors of the team. The Rudge is in our opinion the best looking among the machines, but the un-restored 1937 Brough Superior SS80, which retains matching frame and engine numbers, is the more highly prized. In current ownership for 38 years, it’s estimated at £32,000 – £38,000. Post-war, the pick of the litter is a 1950 Vincent 998cc Series C Black Shadow, a motorcycle synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence and high performance. It’s expected to fetch £30,000 – £35,000.
Can’t wait? Take a look at some of the priciest bikes on James.
