Record money at Bonhams' Stafford October 2015 Stafford Show | Brough Superior | Munch
Is it possible that auction maestros, Bonhams, has now sold more Brough Superiors than George Brough himself? At times, it certainly seems possible. In fact, there are moments when the names "Bonhams" and "Brough Superior" are almost synonymous. Take the Stafford Sale on the 17th and 18th October 2015. Bonhams (never short of a Brough or two) had no less than four Superiors on the block; one of them complete and running, and three projects. The cheapest of the trio was Lot 191 (image immediately above). This 1937 Matchless-engined SS100, which was first displayed at the 1936 London Olympia Show, was sold for £208,700. Not to be outdone, Lot 200 (N), was a 1926 Brough Superior SS100 Grand Alpine Sports project (image immediately above) which fetched a head-spinning £236,700. 
And even that desirable pile of bits was soundly eclipsed by Lot 201 (N), another Brough Superior SS100 Grand Alpine Sport project (this one a 1927 model, image immediately above) which sold for £259,100. 
But if you were looking for a cheapo Brough Superior, Bonhams was offering one dating from 1934, specifically a 1,096cc 11-50hp project which was put back into its boxes and taken away by its new owner for just £93,340 (image immediately above). And as if that wasn't enough to make your wallet shrivel, the (immediately) above 1930 Indian 402 Four, which was part of the renowned Lonati Collection of American Motorcycles, sold for £96,700. This, we understand, is a new world record for an Indian Four. In total, Bonhams turned over £3.6 million, and is pleased to tell us that 91% of lots from the Lonati Collection found buyers. Not an auction record, perhaps, but still hugely impressive. The firm (which supplied these images) also did pretty good when flogging bikes from the Gary Ross Collection & The Keeley Collection. 
Moving on, Lot 214 was a 1934 Indian Scout once owned by some bloke named Steve McQueen (we've 'eard of 'im somewhere). That machine changed hands for £59,740 which reaffirms McQueen's continuing mystique. Ex-Top Gear (TV motoring show) presenter, James May, flogged his 1967 Honda CB450 Black Bomber and pocketed £5,980 minus commission. Other Lonati Collection highlights include: 1910 Pierce 688cc Four, £63,100 1930 Henderson 1,301cc Model KJ 'Streamline' Four, £49,450 1930 Harley-Davidson 1,200cc Model V, £34,500 1911 Flying Merkel 498cc 'Racing' Motorcycle, £33,350 
Additionally, a 1971 Münch 1,177cc TTS 'Mammoth' (immediately above) fetched £85,500, which was more than double its upper estimate. While a 1932 350cc Rudge Works Racer sold for £70,940 (seven times its top estimate).  Is Bonhams pleased? The firm is ecstatic. But what does all this auction success prove? That Britain is on the road to recovery? That the classic bike market is growing once again? That we can all relax?
Hardly. From where we sit, it looks more like increased polarisation of wealth, both at home and overseas. There are currently more billionaires in the UK than ever, and that number is set to increase. There are also more people living in "poverty" (but you'll have to write your own definition of that). But let's not spoil Bonhams' moment. The firm did exceptionally well on the day (actually, two days) and it all helps keep the British economy moving. www.bonhams.com — Big End | 
