Well, Larry. Tell me how you really feel about the Borough Superior motorcycle?
It's the most collectible MC on earth, and Laurence of Arabia is partly at fault. He swore by them, so much that he owned 8. Actually, he died on #7 before 8 was delivered. Those 7 are the most valuable mcs on earth. Yes 7. The one that killed him was scrapped.
There are only 34 whole BS mcs known to exist. There's some parts floating around (also damn valuable) so 35 is always a possibility.
I wouldn't mind one or two of them in the garage...What do you think one would be worth nowadays?
I was at an auction in January where one didn't make reserve at $500,000. It wasn't one of the Laurence bikes. Number 8 traded a few years ago for 1.7 million.
Here's the one that didn't sell for half a mil:
Way out of my league, but good to see people valuing history huh?
Best car/motorcycle show around is some of the really big auctions. The one last year cost $20 general admission but had a really great show and it was fun watching the auction when I was done walking around...
Covid permitting I think a buddy and I are going to go to one in Las Vegas in January. Should be fun.
I watch Barrett Jackson auctions from the States sometimes. Some nice machinery.
My eldest brother is in the car game, restos. He knows Richard Rawlings well, from Gas Monkey, and others. So my bro goes to SEMA every year. I'd like to go one day.
I've only been to SEMA once when I was racing. What a freaking candy store for a gearhead. It's just amazing.
The last auction I went to was televised (Meechams) and the one we'll maybe go to in January is Barrett Jackson.
SEMA looks insane, plus my bro hangs out with all the dudes so I guess it has appeal from another angle. Lucky him I suppose.
I'll look out for you on Barrett Jackson. Hold up a hey G-dog sign. 😂
Here's number 8 it was on display in the Imperial war museum In London until about 2013.
Oh, my. It's really a gorgeous motorcycle isn't it? Thank you. Just seeing it makes me feel 'special'.
Yes, very nice I still don't know why they removed it from the museum, it was replaced with a Honda CG125 copy from Afganistan?
The bike was/is owned by an individual. I believe it was sold as a part of an estate sale. I think it is now available but at a huge price.
I've seen the Vincent Red Shadow twice, both at auction. The guy that owns it won't let it go for less than a million and he's been close both times. It is one of one.
I know of the bike you mention, a White Shadow special order only 15 ever built and only the 1 in red. A very special bit of kit and bloody expensive.
I believe there are many more hidden/forgotten in sheds around the country (UK) and certainly, a few more still exist than you mention, There's about 70 ss100 still out there and a fair few ss80 also.
I have heard rumours of a guy in Cornwall with 2 ss100 tucked away and every year some forgotten gems are rediscovered.
Lof A's number 7 was returned to Brough after his accident and repaired and resold
All I have is some of those parts you mentioned hung on my wall of fame. Lots of cool names here.
I hear rumors a little, too. There's always some really remarkable things being found.
There's a glorious wall. I just love stuff like that. Good for you! I am officially jealous. About the best I have hanging around is a pair of valve covers off a '63 Corvette fuelie and a pair of rear sets from a Hayabusa hanging around my house :)
Speaking of finds, there are motorcycles in sheds in the US, too. This 1911 Pierce Arrow 4 is a fairly recent find (it was sold in July) and it's unrestored. Looks like new. This is NOT my photo:
98i0
Source
That's rather cool, I love the Century bikes with the white rubber. I've been trying to get a friend to sell me his 1912 Triumph but he's still saying no. Can't blame me for asking and I shall keep doing so.