Moto Medley – The Broadbent Collection
March 9, 2022
We don’t discriminate here at Car & Classic and that permeates through to our auctions platform too. From cheap runabouts to highly desirable exotica and everything in between we offer it all with the same level of care and attention from one vehicle to the next. But every so often something truly special comes a long. Whether it be a one-of-a-kind Maserati or Elvis Presley’s Cadillac, every now and then our collective automotive-atuned ears get pricked, our interest becomes piqued and we feel the need to get a bit shouty, quite simply because we love what we do and we want to share that passion with all of you. And that’s exactly the case with this, the Broadbent Collection.
The Broadbent Collection is a wonderfully eclectic mix of vintage and modern motorcycles that are all available via our auctions platform. One of the many great things about this particular bevvy of bikes, aside from the sheer diversity and desirability of the models of course, is how they are presented. These aren’t molly-coddled show ponies that you would be too scared to display outdoors let alone ride. Oh no. The vast majority of these bikes are all primed and ready to be enjoyed. Amassed over the course of decades the vendor has decided to up sticks and move abroad and so everything must go. If you haven’t seen it already then head over to our YouTube channel where you can enjoy a visual (and aural) feast as our editor Chris Pollitt discusses some of the collection with our in-house motorcycle auctions consigner Lucas.
It’s a great video that gives some valuable insight into the gold mine of bikes that make up the Broadbent Collection and one that is guaranteed to whet some whistles. With seventeen machines in total there’s a lot of choice for the discerning motorcycle enthusiast and as much as we’d love to talk about them all here that would mean an incredibly long article so we’ve picked out a few highlights for your reading pleasure. For the full list and links to the individual auction listings head to the bottom of the page.
1936 Brough Superior S.S.80
The name Superior is certainly a fitting title for this particular bike. Officially known as the ‘Rolls-Royce of motorcycles’ the Brough Superior is rightly revered and exalted the world over and with less than 1000 examples thought to remain it’s an incredibly rare beast to boot. Although lightly patinated this legendary bike is in fantastic condition overall having benefited from a restoration in its illustrious past and with an extensive history that can be traced back to 1969 this particular machine has clearly been continuously cared for.
As can be seen in the video the bike does run and it sounds beautiful and although lacking a current MOT we can’t envisage any mechanical problems preventing this exclusive, refined and stunning vintage motorcycle from commanding the streets once again. An exciting opportunity.
1948 Vincent Rapide Series C
When it comes to classic motorcycles the name Vincent needs no introduction. This 1000cc Rapide Series C is stunning, with it’s jet black paintwork and beautiful chrome it’s certainly a sight to behold. Perhaps overshadowed by its Black Shadow brother the Rapide arguably represents better value and this Series C will turn just as many heads and draw just as many admiring glances.
It’s a running bike that has been a proven workhorse having participated in the Vincent H.R.D. Owners’ Club’s Dutch Rally in 2007. With history dating back to 1970 the bike has been in safe hands ever since and that is blatantly evident in the way it looks and runs. While it may not be in concours condition we would challenge you to find a better-running example. A genuine highlight of the collection.
1947 Harley-Davidson Model 42 WLC
It’s not just British machinery on offer here either. This Harley-Davidson, built to Canadian military spec and registered for use on UK roads in 1947, is in wonderfully original, unrestored condition. It may be a little rough around the edges but it’s a solid example with bags of character and if it were our money we wouldn’t change a thing, with every mark and trace of patination lending an individuality and charm to the bike that is impossible to replicate.
With a literal tome of paperwork the amount history included with this bike is staggering. It’s a running, usable classic American tourer that remains incredibly popular and appealing to classic motorcycle fans the world over so if you fancy a bit of ’40s Flathead Americana then this is your chance to own a truly imposing, yet charming machine.
1932 Morgan Super Sports
This isn’t your standard Morgan. This particular beauty has been set up for sprints and hill climbs it’s a bit of a beast if we’re being honest. Restored in the early 2000s with these types of competitions in mind the Morgan has been fitted with a later and much more potent 1500cc J.A.P. V-twin engine in place of the original 1096cc unit. The original engine is included in the sale should you wish to revert back, however.
The allure here is clear and the sheer thrill of thrashing this Super Sports up a hill climb stage as fast as possible, in all its visceral glory, is an incredibly attractive and appealing notion. Not only that but these machines are notoriously easy to work on and so it’s the perfect toy for the tinkerers among us.
2018 Brough Superior S.S.100
The Broadbent Collection does feature some more modern fare, including a 2017 Norton Commando and a 2011 Triumph Thunderbird, along with this incredibly beautiful Brough Superior S.S.100 and what a great way to bookend this list. With one private owner from new and less than 900 miles on the clock this is a superb, ‘as-new’ example.
This isn’t merely a motorcycle though. Just look at it. This is a work of art and with heritage to die for. Not only does it look amazing but it performs too. The 1000cc V-Twin engine is a peach and the bike appears to be in excellent health throughout. There were only 300 of these bikes ever made so our advice is grab one now, this could be your only chance.
Car & Classic are delighted to be able to offer this assortment of fascinating motorcycles and we’re sure there’s something here for any astute classic bike enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just looking to dip your toes into the enchanting waters of motorcycle ownership then you can certainly do a lot worse than the models on offer here. Car & Classic is Europe’s No 1 classic and specialist vehicle website and our auctions platform is the cheapest and safest way to buy and sell classics online by so you can bid on any of the bikes listed with confidence.
As promised, here’s the full roster of bikes in the Broadbent Collection:
2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm
2017 Norton 961 Commando Café Racer MkII
1972 BSA Bantam Wassell Trials Special
1947 Harley-Davisdon Model 42 WLC
