One of the greatest motorcycle discoveries in decades.
A collection of the 'Rolls-Royces of the motorbike world' which were made famous by Lawrence of Arabia has been discovered in a barn where they had been gathering dust for 50 years.
For many years motorcycle fans talked about the 'urban myth' of the Brough Superiors. But now a fleet of eight bikes have been located in Cornwall, in what experts are calling one of the greatest biking discoveries in decades.
Brough Superior bikes, built from 1924 until 1940, are the most sought-after two-wheel transport in the world.
Just 380 of the motorcycles were built with TE Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, a famous owner. Lawrence died when he crashed his SS in 1935.
Just 380 of the motorcycles were built with TE Lawrence (pictured on the bike talking to George Brough), better known as Lawrence of Arabia, who died when he crashed his SS in 1935.
These bikes were owned by Frank Vague, an avid member of the Brough Superior Club, who recently passed away.
Mr Vague, from a village near Bodmin, Cornwall, acquired the majority of the collection in the early 1960s and they have remained unused for 50 years.
Many enthusiasts and collectors had heard about Mr Vague's bikes, but most people thought it was an urban myth.
In good condition, these bikes are now selling for upwards of £300,000 each - although the bikes would sell for a fraction of the figure in their current condition because of the amount of work needed.
The motorcycles were built in Nottingham, at founder George Brough's factory in Haydn Road.
George Brough called them the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles - with permission from the British car maker.
Bonhams will be selling 'The Broughs of Bodmin Moor' at its Sale of Important Collectors' Motorcycles at Stafford on April 24 next year.
A Brough Superior 982cc SS80 Project with a Petrol Tube Sidecar. Mr Vague, from a village near Bodmin, Cornwall, acquired the majority of the collection in the early 1960s and they have remained unused for 50 years.
Ben Walker, international director for Bonhams collectors' motorcycle department, said: 'This is one of the greatest motorcycle discoveries of recent times.
'A lot of mystery surrounds these motorcycles, as very few people knew that they still existed, many believing them to be an urban myth.
'There was a theory that they still existed somewhere in the West Country, but few knew where, until now.
'Stored in barns for more than 50 years, the motorcycles were discovered whole, in parts, and some were partially submerged under decades of dust, old machinery parts and household clutter.'
'This is the last known collection of unrestored Brough Superiors. There will not be another opportunity like this.'
George Brough called them the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles - with permission from the British car maker.
Bonhams will be selling 'The Broughs of Bodmin Moor' at its Sale of Important Collectors' Motorcycles at Stafford on April 24 next year.
Ben Walker, international director for Bonhams collectors' motorcycle department, said: 'This is one of the greatest motorcycle discoveries of recent times.
'A lot of mystery surrounds these motorcycles, as very few people knew that they still existed, many believing them to be an urban myth.
'There was a theory that they still existed somewhere in the West Country, but few knew where, until now.
'Stored in barns for more than 50 years, the motorcycles were discovered whole, in parts, and some were partially submerged under decades of dust, old machinery parts and household clutter.'
'This is the last known collection of unrestored Brough Superiors. There will not be another opportunity like this.'
A 1938 model which was owned by Hubert Chantry, a friend of George Brough, is expected to sell for around £120,000 despite requiring a full restoration.
An SS100 model, also from 1938, has been valued at £80,000.
In total, the eight bikes - some of which are in bits - are expected to sell for around £350,000. When they are back on the road they will be worth more than £3 million combined.
Jonathan Vickers, Bonhams West Country motoring specialist, added, 'The discovery of these Brough Motorcycles in Cornwall is historically significant.
'We're delighted that these machines will now be offered for sale on an international platform for the first time in more than half a century.'
-Daily Mail