Lawrence Of Arabia's Brough Superior: Who Owns It?

Alright guys, let's dive into something seriously cool today: the legendary Brough Superior motorcycle that belonged to none other than T.E. Lawrence, famously known as Lawrence of Arabia. This isn't just any old bike; it's a piece of history, a machine that witnessed the incredible life of a man who became a legend. We're talking about the Brough Superior SS100, a bike that was the pinnacle of engineering and luxury in its day. Lawrence owned several of these magnificent machines, but one, in particular, captured the public's imagination due to its association with his adventurous life and, tragically, his death. The question on everyone's lips, and the one we're here to unravel, is who owns Lawrence of Arabia's Brough Superior today? It's a question that sparks curiosity because these bikes are not just vehicles; they are artifacts. Owning one of Lawrence's bikes means holding a tangible connection to a bygone era and a man whose exploits are still debated and admired. The allure of such an item is immense, not just for motorcycle enthusiasts but for history buffs as well. Think about it – this bike was ridden by a man who was a military officer, an archaeologist, a writer, and a diplomat. Its story is as rich and complex as Lawrence himself. The Brough Superior brand itself was synonymous with quality, speed, and exclusivity, often referred to as the 'Rolls-Royce of motorcycles.' Lawrence, being a man of discerning taste and adventurous spirit, was naturally drawn to such a machine. He famously bought his first Brough Superior in 1922 and went on to own seven in total throughout his life. His deep affection for these bikes is well-documented, and he even referred to them in his writings. The fact that he met his untimely end on one of his beloved Brough Superiors adds another layer of poignancy to its story. So, when we ask about ownership, we're not just talking about possession; we're talking about stewardship of a piece of cultural heritage. The journey of these bikes through time, from Lawrence's hands to the present day, is often a fascinating tale of preservation, collection, and sometimes, fierce bidding wars at auctions. The rarity of these machines, coupled with their historical significance, makes them incredibly valuable. Imagine being the custodian of a machine that was once thundered across the roads by Lawrence himself. It's a heavy responsibility, but also an incredible privilege. This article aims to shed light on the current whereabouts and ownership of these iconic machines, exploring the history, the mystique, and the enduring legacy of Lawrence of Arabia's Brough Superior. Get ready, because this is a ride through history you won't want to miss!

The Man, The Myth, The Motorcycle

Let's get real for a second, guys. Before we can even think about who owns Lawrence of Arabia's Brough Superior, we gotta understand the man himself. T.E. Lawrence, or 'Lawrence of Arabia' as the world came to know him, was one of those larger-than-life figures that history seems to conjure up every now and then. He was a British archaeologist, army officer, diplomat, and writer, but it was his role during the Arab Revolt in World War I that cemented his legendary status. He rode across the deserts, uniting Arab tribes against the Ottoman Empire, and his exploits became the stuff of legend, later immortalized in books and films. But here's where the motorcycles come in. Lawrence was not just a man of the desert; he was also a passionate motorcyclist, and he had a particular fondness for the Brough Superior. He acquired his first Brough Superior, an early model, in 1922, and was instantly smitten. He went on to own seven Brough Superiors in his lifetime, each one a testament to his love for these high-performance machines. He saw them as more than just transportation; they were extensions of his adventurous spirit, tools for his restless soul. He even wrote about them, praising their speed, reliability, and the sheer joy of riding them. The Brough Superior brand, founded by George Brough, was all about precision engineering and exclusivity. They were expensive, hand-built machines, often customized to the owner's specifications. They were truly the elite bikes of their era, the kind of machine that a man like Lawrence, who lived life on his own terms, would gravitate towards. He wasn't afraid to push them to their limits, and he often used them for long-distance travel, covering vast distances with impressive speed. His connection to these bikes was so profound that he even kept one with him while serving in the RAF under a pseudonym, showing just how integral they were to his personal life. The irony, and the profound tragedy, is that Lawrence's life was cut short in a motorcycle accident. On May 13, 1935, he was riding his Brough Superior SS100 near his home in Dorset when he swerved to avoid colliding with two boys on bicycles and lost control. He was thrown from the bike and sustained fatal injuries. This tragic event, on one of his beloved machines, has forever intertwined his legacy with the Brough Superior motorcycle, making its ownership a matter of intense interest and historical significance. So, when we talk about who owns Lawrence of Arabia's Brough Superior, we're really talking about custodianship of a machine that carries the weight of history, legend, and a touch of heartbreak.

The Iconic Brough Superior SS100

Alright folks, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the machine itself: the Brough Superior SS100. This wasn't just any motorcycle; it was the crème de la crème, the absolute pinnacle of motorcycle engineering and design back in the day. George Brough, the mastermind behind the brand, built these bikes with an obsessive attention to detail, aiming to create the finest machine on the market. The SS100, introduced in 1924, was his masterpiece. The 'SS' stood for 'Super Sports,' and the '100' signified its ability to reliably achieve a top speed of 100 miles per hour – a seriously impressive feat for a motorcycle in the 1920s and 30s. These bikes were hand-built, often to order, and were incredibly expensive, costing more than a small house! This exclusivity, combined with their unparalleled performance, made them the ultimate status symbol. For someone like T.E. Lawrence, a man who appreciated fine craftsmanship, speed, and efficiency, the Brough Superior SS100 was the perfect machine. He wasn't just buying a bike; he was investing in a piece of art that could also perform. Lawrence's SS100s were often customized. He was known to tinker with them, making modifications to suit his riding style and needs. He treated his Broughs with immense care, almost like companions, and his deep affection for them is well-documented. He often rode them for extended periods, undertaking long journeys that showcased their touring capabilities as well as their sporting prowess. The SS100 was powered by a J.A.P. (John A. Prestwich Industries) V-twin engine, typically around 998cc, which provided the grunt needed for those 100 mph runs. The handling was also considered exceptional for its time, thanks to its robust frame and sophisticated suspension. When Lawrence tragically died on his SS100, the bike itself became an even more potent symbol. It represented not just his adventurous life but also the very essence of his passion and his ultimate demise. The surviving Brough Superiors, especially those with a direct link to Lawrence, are now incredibly rare and highly sought-after by collectors worldwide. They are not just vintage motorcycles; they are relics of a heroic age, embodying the spirit of innovation, adventure, and the golden age of motorcycling. The mystique surrounding Lawrence and his Brough Superiors is so potent that any surviving example associated with him is considered a national treasure. Understanding the SS100's pedigree is crucial when we discuss who owns Lawrence of Arabia's Brough Superior, because it highlights the immense historical, mechanical, and cultural value attached to these machines.

The Fate of Lawrence's Brough Superiors

Now, let's get down to the brass tacks, the part you guys are probably most curious about: who owns Lawrence of Arabia's Brough Superior? This isn't a simple question with a single answer, because, as we mentioned, Lawrence owned seven Brough Superiors throughout his life. Sadly, not all of them have survived intact, and their ownership histories can be quite complex, often involving passionate collectors, museums, and significant auction events. The most famous of Lawrence's Brough Superiors, the one he was riding when he died, is arguably the most significant. After his death, this specific SS100 was initially held by his family. It was later acquired by the Imperial War Museum in London, where it was put on display for many years, allowing the public to connect with this piece of history. However, museum collections evolve, and in the late 1960s, this particular Brough Superior SS100 was sold to a private collector. It then passed through various hands, becoming one of the most valuable and historically significant motorcycles in private ownership. More recently, in 2015, this very motorcycle, Lawrence's last, was sold at auction by Bonhams for a staggering £350,000 (which was around $520,000 at the time). The buyer wished to remain anonymous, but it's understood that the bike remains in private collection, meticulously preserved. This is the closest we get to a definitive answer for that specific bike. What about the others? Lawrence was known to be quite particular about his machines, and he would often sell or trade them when he felt they had served their purpose or when he desired a newer model. Some of his Broughs were sold off during his lifetime. Others might have been dismantled or lost to time. The exact whereabouts of all seven of Lawrence's Brough Superiors are not definitively known, which only adds to their mystique. However, the ones that have survived and are documented are held by serious collectors and institutions who understand their immense historical value. The quest to locate and preserve these machines is ongoing among enthusiasts and historians. Owning one of Lawrence's Brough Superiors is not just about possessing a rare and valuable motorcycle; it's about becoming a guardian of a legend. These bikes are a tangible link to a pivotal historical figure, and their custodianship is a profound responsibility. The fact that the most iconic one ended up in private hands after a period of public display shows the evolving nature of historical artifact ownership and the incredible value placed on these pieces of the past.

The Enduring Fascination

So, why, guys, does the story of who owns Lawrence of Arabia's Brough Superior still captivate us all these years later? It's more than just a question about a motorcycle; it's about the enduring allure of a legend, the mystique of a bygone era, and the sheer brilliance of a machine that defined its time. T.E. Lawrence was an enigma. He was a man who achieved worldwide fame for his exploits in the Middle East, yet he craved anonymity, even serving in the ranks of the RAF under a pseudonym. This paradox in his life – the public hero seeking private peace – is endlessly fascinating. His connection to the Brough Superior motorcycles, these powerful, sophisticated machines, mirrors this complexity. They were symbols of his adventurous, outward-facing life, yet he also used them for personal journeys, for solace and escape. The Brough Superior SS100 itself is an icon. It represented the zenith of early 20th-century engineering, a testament to human ingenuity and a passion for performance. Its status as the 'Rolls-Royce of motorcycles' wasn't just marketing hype; it was earned through meticulous craftsmanship and unparalleled performance. When you combine the legendary rider with the legendary machine, you get a story that transcends simple history. It becomes a myth. The tragic end to Lawrence's life, on his beloved Brough Superior, only amplifies this myth. It adds a layer of poignancy and drama that continues to resonate. The rarity of these surviving machines, especially those with a verified link to Lawrence, makes them incredibly valuable, not just financially but historically and culturally. They are tangible pieces of history that offer a direct connection to the man and his era. For collectors and enthusiasts, owning one of Lawrence's Brough Superiors is the ultimate prize, a chance to hold a piece of legend in their hands. For the rest of us, the fascination lies in the stories these bikes could tell – tales of desert raids, of cross-country journeys, of a complex man seeking meaning and freedom on two wheels. The question of who owns Lawrence of Arabia's Brough Superior keeps this legend alive, prompting us to remember not just the man, but the machines that were such an integral part of his extraordinary life. It’s a story that continues to inspire awe and wonder, a true testament to the enduring power of history and the machines that help us understand it.