Rev up foraridethrough motorcycle history at TheInternational ClassicMotorCycle Show sponsoredbyCaroleNash.
Theshow, held over the weekendofApril 26-27, promises to be atruly unique event, featuringaworld first displayofmorethan20
STAFFORD COUNTY SHOWGROUND,ST18OBD
Brough Superior SS100s to celebrate100 yearssince the first of theiconicmachines wasproduced.
Brough enthusiast andstar guestHenry Cole will be on stagethroughoutthe weekend, so be sure to seehim andhear hisfascinating stories.
Step back in time and
immerseyourselfinthousands of classicmachines, including stunning displays from leading motorcycle clubsaswellas privateentries –all showcasing theverybestinclassic bike preservation andrestoration It’s theperfect opportunityto meet like-mindedenthusiasts andchatwithpassionateclub
memberswho arealways on hand to sharetheir vast knowledgeand experience.
Theshowisalwaysagreat chance to source rare parts, spares,memorabilia, clothing, or even complete machines from thetrade andautojumble stands,offeringeverything aclassic bike enthusiast
couldeverneed. With live music, entertainmentand a barrunning throughout the weekend, theStaffordClassic Bike Show is theultimate placetoembrace theclassic bike community.
Don’tmissyourchancetobe part of motorcycle historyat THEBIG ONE– seeyou there!
Come andjoinusinclassic nirvana
Welcome to the 2025 edition of The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash, the ‘showpiece’ spring event inthe calendar for fans of old two (and three) wheelers, where we can gather to admire, acquire, to reviewand renew, to chatand to chortle and to immerse ourselves in an ocean of motorcycling nostalgia, as well as catching up with old friends and hopefully making newones.
This year we’veasuperb, special centenarydisplayto
BIGGEST MOTORCYCLE JUMBLEIN THEUK!
savour,celebrating 100 years of the Brough Superior SS100 model.
To manyofus, thatmodel, in anyofits various incarnations, is beyond our pocket, but that doesn’tmean we can’tadmire and dream, as well as appreciate the machines for whattheywere and still are –motorcycling art, too, but also possessed of a brutal functionality alongside unquestioned beauty
You’ll see from thepreviewon these pages just how lithe and equine those early models are,like sinewy racehorses raring to go.
Then there’sthe evolution to later life, as middle-aged spread takes hold and there’s amovetowards being ‘built for comfort’ rather than outright speed. It’safeeling manyof us will know.There’salso an interesting parallel in that modern car makersemployasimilar evolutionarytactic, evolving their models to suit and retain buyers of that first model. Now,George Brough wasasavvy marketer,but whether he wasthat far ahead of the curve, who knows? But anyway,hemade some fabulous products which are ajoy to study
We have to thank so manyowners for assisting us, too.
That’snot all of course, as there’sthe usual plethora of attractions to enjoy, from fire-up areas to trials demonstrations, epic autojumble and terrific trade stands, club and private displays, ahuge auction… it’sall partof what makes Stafford what it is this weekend –the epicentre of the classic motorcycle world. We’lllook forward to seeing you there.
James Robinson Editor, The Classic MotorCycle
Message from oursponsor
This is an exciting yearfor us at Carole Nash as we celebrate our 40th anniversaryin2025. As we reach this milestone, we’re delighted to be back sponsoring the Stafford Classic BikeShows for another year
For48hours, this familyfriendly show attracts the biggest gathering of classic motorcycling anywhere in the world, andit’s great to see you.
Since 1980, The International ClassicMotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nashhas grown steadily into one of the highlights of thebiking calendar and this year’s show is shaping up to be the most exciting yet
To celebrate100 yearssince its launch, the world’slargestever publicdisplayofBrough Superior SS100s will make motorcyclehistory, while Brough
enthusiast HenryCole will be chatting to the crowds over the weekend.
There will be the usual array of motorbikes from yesteryear The club stands are alwaysa spectacular sight, with no detail left unattended as acombination of pride and competitive spirit kicks in between clubs vying for the prestige of having produced this year’s best display.
Private collectors will bring their own mind-boggling collections of superb machines, lovingly restored into their former glories through care,expertise and extraordinaryskill.
The autojumblewill alsobea feast for biking enthusiasts able to search for –and most likely find –whatever theyneed for their current project, however big or small.
The Bonhams auction always attracts plenty of attention, with some spectacular bikes up for grabs to those who can hold their nerve in ahigh-tension situation! We hope you enjoythe show
The Carole Nash team
‘The Rolls-Royceofmotorcycles’
Perhaps the most iconic name in classic motorcycling,Brough Superior machines were a phenomenonofinter-war Britain.
From 1919 to circa1940, they were made in smallnumbersbut the endlesspromotion by company founder,ownerand star rider George Brough gave themperhaps far more column inches than theywarranted. This camefrom Brough’simplied friendships (real or otherwise) with the right people (most famously TELawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia), manyrecordbreaking stunts plus domination with amultitude of riders(including the outright Brooklands record thanks to NoelPope;124.51mph set in 1939, and land-speed record attempts and successes) and the showstopping specials.
Brough the man wasthe ringmaster of his own circus, but the reality was… his products were also incredibly good!From the off, theygathered adie-hard following, asituation that continues to this day, with worldwide fame and continuing appeal.
The SS100 is the most famous of all the models, sold in 1924 with aguarantee it had exceeded 100mph. When the average motorcycle struggled to do half that and the UK’snationalspeed limit was20mph, it waslikea machine from another world.
And that tag as the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles? Apparently,that wasbestowed by the pressin 1924, though of course George leapt on it straight away,while the carmaker didn’thaveany complaints either.Infact, after Brough Superior motorcycle manufacture ended in 1940, the works wasemployedtomachine Merlin crankshafts for Rolls-Royce.
Although onlyabout 3000 of the motorcycles were made, the Brough Superior name remains one of the most famous in motorcycling,with the SS100 the most iconic model.
The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash will have aWORLD FIRST displaywith the biggest public gathering of Brough Superior SS100s ever assembled –including some of the rarest and most famous examples ever made.
JAP SS100:
George Brough first displayed an overhead valve, V-twin 1000cc luxurymotorcycleatthe Olympia show in 1920, one year after he’dformed Brough Superior motorcycles.
The Mk.I featured aJAP (J A Prestwich) ohv 1000cc V-twin, which wasthen changed to a Swiss manufactured MAGunit over the next couple of years, all with Montgomeryleaf-spring front forks.
TheBrough Superior SS100 waslaunched in October 1924, ready for the 1925 season.
The Motor Cycle of October 23, 1924 wasprompted to write: “Tostartwith anideal and not only maintain it but to improve upon it annually,isbynomeans an easy thing to do, yet it has been accomplished by Mr George Brough, whose latest Brough Superiorsare far ahead of even his own previous production.
“A newohv SS100 is the most striking feature of his 1925 programme… It is engined with the latest formof980cc
overhead valve JAPand is sold with aguarantee of having exceeded 100mph on the road.
“The latest SS100 is not only athing of beauty,but it is also a most charming machine to ride.”
The JAP engine wasmated to aSturmey-Archer three-speed hand-change gearbox, all housed in abespokeframe with modified Harley-Davidson front forks.
Fork manufacture changed to Castle –making aversion of the Harleyforks –and it wasthis layout that remained untilthe SS100’spopularity spawned new sub-models. The Alpine Grand Sports became the newgrand tourer;fitted with aflyscreen, pannier boxes and electric lighting, it wasthe well-heeled gentleman’s choice for covering road miles at speed.
The Pendine wasthe racer of the lineup, which wasstripped of anything not needed in the interest of lightness and the pursuit of speed. In 1928, aBentleyand Draper sprung rear frame (similar in principle to Philip Vincent’s ideas) wasoffered as an option.
Renowned as Lawrence of Arabia’smachine of choice (although he’dhad three side-valve Broughs before buying his first SS100), Lawrencenamed each of his bikes ‘George’ sequentially and famously raced aBristol Fighter aeroplane on one of his SS100s and waseventually in an accident while riding another, George VII –atthe time of his death George VIII wasonorder
Total production figure: SS100 JAP: 281 (1924-1938)
SEETHESE ICONIC BIKESATTHE SHOW!
MATCHLESS SS100:
In 1936 Brough changed engine supplier forthe SS100 from JAP to Matchless, although some JAPengined machines were built until 1938, presumably using up old stock or as aspecificrequest from favoured customers.
High partcostsand varying quality control from the JAP factory were given as the reason for this change, although withits fully enclosed hairpin valve-springs and neater,more modernlooks, the Matchless 982cc ohv V-twin seemed to suit theroleperfectly With itstwin stacked exhausts, big RoyalEnfield eight-inch brakes and four-speed foot-change SturmeyArcher gearbox (as fitted to International Nortons), it rode as well as it looked. The engine wasmade exclusively for Brough by Matchless, and even had Brough Superior markings on the crankcases.
In 1937 Brough buyershad the option of adding aBrough Superior ‘petrol tube’ sidecar to theirmount. As the namesuggests, the frame carrying the sidecar body (and its passenger!) also carried an additional two gallons of fuel in the tubes. Pressuretotransfer the fuel from the sidecar chassis to the bikecamevia the pumpwhich was supplied to inflate the tyres.
Total production figure: SS100 Matchless: 102 (19361940)
THE OTHERS:
As well as the well-known SS80 range of side-valve V-twins that were first JAP and then Matchless powered, Brough made anumber of other less well-known machines. Among these wasthe 680,
powered by aJAP ohv V-twin engine of that capacity, and which was available from 1926 to 1936 (547 produced) in various guises including aminiature version of the SS100 Alpine Grand Sports –the Black Alpine 680 of 1930 wasa favourite.
Ever the showman, George Brough displayed aseries of show specials with varying degrees of success. Meant almost entirely to grab headlines at the big shows of the era, he showed everything from transverse V-twins, V-fours, straight fours, flat-foursand even used a car engine.
The Austin 7-engined 1932 show special used the completeAustin powertrain(although bored out to 800cc and fittedwithanalloy head), including the gearbox which meant the machine needed the shaft final drive exiting from the middle of the engine.
Rather than offset theengine and gearbox, twin rear wheels were fitted with one either side of the drive shaft.This somewhat limited thehandling capabilities of the machine, which meant that most of the10built ended up attached to sidecars.
The runofBrough Superior cars wasbased on American Hudson automobiles, with under 100 being built powered by avariety of straight six, V8 and even aV12 engine.
This April’sshow is aonce-ina-lifetime chance to see ahuge variety of brilliant Broughs. Head to The Classic MotorCycle stand in the Main Hall to see the iconic lineup.
Book your tickets nowtoavoid missing out.
The TV celebrity has built acareer around his love for motorcycles, hosting several popular shows that celebrate the freedom, historyand mechanics of riding Throughout the weekend of The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash,there will be plenty of opportunities to seehim live on stage, and ask the star guest any questions.
Henryhas spent over 30 years in the TV and movie industry and currently presents World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides (Travel Channel Worldwide), The MotorbikeShow (ITV4 and DiscoveryNetworks), Shed and Buried (ITV and Travel Channel Worldwide), The Motorbike Show Special: Steve McQueen’s Motorcycles, Find It, FixIt, Flog
HenryCole… star of screen andthe Stafford stage
It (Channel 4) and more recently Find It, FixIt, Drive It (More4).
Henryalso runs the production companythat makes all the shows he fronts... and awhole lot more he doesn’t.
Beyond the TV screens, Henry is also askilled restorer and collector of motorcycles, with a particular fondness for vintage and classicbikes. His company, Gladstone Motorcycles, named after his great-uncle Dick ‘red beard’ Gladstone, produces highend, custom-builtmotorcycles that embody traditional British craftsmanship. Through this venture, he has helped keep the spirit of classic motorcycling alive, offering bespokebikes that blend heritage with modern performance.
Henryhas completed numerous adventurous rides
across the globe, including setting aworld land speed record for apre-1955 750cc motorcycle in 2013, riding aBrough Superior at 99.79mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats. His world records don’t end there. In May2023, he rode as pillion with Allen Millyard on his Viper V10 at Elvington airfield, setting anew Guinness World Record for the fastest tandem motorcycle, with atop speed of 183.5mph.
Henrywill taketothe stage at various times throughout the weekend (check the timetable in this guide for details) talking all things bikes –restoring them, riding them, owning them, selling them, and even breaking those world records on them.
He says: “Stafford is always agreat dayout, whether you’re looking to buy aclassic
bike, abasket case or some accoutrements(or just gaze in aweatsome beautiful machinery). I’m especially excited to be at this year’sevent, joining in the celebrations for the
centenaryofthe Brough Superior SS100.
“Asalways, it’s achance to meet like-minded folk and talk motorcycles, sheds and the finer things in life. Ican’twait!”
CAROLE NASH PROUD SPONSOR OF
TheSpringStaffordSale
The International ClassicMotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash April 26-27 | Sandylands &Argyle Halls | View and bid today!
Startyour engines and get ready for the Bonhams Spring Stafford Saleon April 26-27, showcasing an extraordinaryarray of motorcycles, spanning more thanacenturyoftwo-wheeled excellence.
Leading the auction is the iconic 1925 Brough Superior SS100, with adistinguished racing pedigree, expected to
fetch £300,000-£350,000.
As showgoerswill know, the event marks the 100th anniversaryofthe SS100 and thisauction is definitely playing its partinthat, making it an unmissableoccasion.
Noteworthyprivate collections include Part II of the Andy Chapman Collection, featuring legendary motorcycles from the 1970s and 80s,the prestigious
Derek FoxCollection of rare Nortons, and the Green House Farm Collection including pioneering motorcycles eligible for top-tier events.
Adding to the allure, the Barry Winter Collection includes gems such as a1932 Brough Superior Overhead 680, alongside the Dale Winfield Collection, offered entirely without reserve and featuring
MOTORCYCLES
The SpringStafford Sale
The International Classic MotorCycle Show
Sandylands &ArgyleHalls I26& 27 April2025
ENTRANCE
Gallery Guides £5 admitsone
Catalogues £25 admits two
Visit
Download
SATURDAY & SUNDAY AUCTION
legendaryracing Hondas once piloted by the incomparable CarlFogarty
This exceptional auction is aonce-in-a-lifetimechance to own some of the finest vintage and modernmotorcycles ever created. Don’tmiss out –visit the BonhamsSpring Stafford Motorcycle Auction, conveniently located at the Sandylands and Argyle Halls of the Showground.
Classicmotorcycleclubs kick-start the Stafford ClassicBikeShowextravaganza
The unmistakable rumbleof classic, vintage and pioneer engines will fillthe airas thousandsofclassic bike enthusiasts gather in Aprilatthe Staffordshire County Showground.
The International Classic MotorCycle Show,sponsored by Carole Nash, has become an annual pilgrimage for lovers of two-wheeled historyand remains one of the biggest and most beloved events for classic motorcycle clubs across the UK and beyond.
From gleaming Nortons and Triumphs to rare Brough
Superiorsand Vincents, the event will showcase ajawdropping arrayofmachines acrossmore than 90 clubstands, spanning more than acentury of motorcycling heritage.But beyond the polished chrome and lovingly restored machines, it’sthe passion of the riders, restorers, and collectors–bound together by their love of classic motorcycles –that truly brings the show to life.
Save yourself atrip to Italyto see the Ducati Museum, instead head to the MuseoDucati at Stafford instead. TheDucati
Your one-stopshowfor everything motorcycle
This weekend in April is alwaysa chance to stock up on vintage motorcycle parts and accessories in the treasure trove of trade and autojumble stands
As you walk along aisles packed with experts, you’ll have the chance to find that missing piece, service, or accessory you’vebeen searching for or never knewyou neededuntil now!
If you’ve experienced a motorcycle injury, Hugh James’ highly skilled solicitorsspecialise in claims involving head injuries, spinal cordinjuries, amputations and other life-changing conditions. The team will be there to have achat.
Youcan also step intothe world of sidecarswith WatsonianSquire SB1 –the perfect entry point for motorcyclists looking to experience the thrill of sidecar riding.Powered by the reliable, air-cooled single-cylinderengine of the Benelli Imperiale 400, the lightweight SB1 sidecar offers ample torque and an exciting way to explore the open road.
Don’tmiss the National Motorcycle Museum’sdisplay at the show –and grab araffle ticket for your chance to win abike.
Owners’ Club GB will once again occupy the Meat Hall (found just off theMainHall), and this yearthe clubwill present its own tribute to the factory’s‘Museo Ducati’.
The lineup will feature around 30 of Ducati’smost iconic bikes from 1948 to 2005, starting with the Cucciolo and runningright through to the Ducati 999. As well as the road bikes, there will be aSuperMono racerand the 2024 Classic SuperbikeManx GP-winning916.
The Wolverhampton &District Classic Motorcycle Club, on standS28 (Sandylands Hall), wasstarted 25 yearsago by two enthusiasts of British bikes who restored andexhibited their beautifulmachines at the Stafford spring show.The response fromthe paying public wassooverwhelmingthat aclub wasformed on the spotbylikeminded enthusiasts who wanted to be part of the action.
Be sure to visit Central Wheel Components, renowned for producing and rebuilding high-quality spokes for iconic British machines, including those on display at The National MotorcycleMuseum.
Need to shipyour motorcycle? James Cargo Services provides a simple and cost-effectivesolution for transporting your bike.
From on-road to off-road, touring to racing,Bridgestone motorcycletyresdeliver top-tier performance, stability and speed for everyadventure.
The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by CaroleNash is your onestop shop for motorcycle parts, spares, gear,accessories and more. Whether you’re restoring aclassic or upgrading your ride, you’ll find everything you need in the vast selection of trade and autojumblestands.
TheVelocette Owners’ Club is celebrating 100 yearssince the introduction of the OHC Velocette, and this is the theme for its stand this year.A major partofthe displaywill be the Replica ISDT outfit,which is the latest product from the Ivan Rhodes workshop. Ivan has provided the inspiration and workshop facilities, with the
work being undertaken by ateam of local enthusiasts led by Bob Higgs, well knownfor his Vulcan V-twin Velocette. This will be the first public appearance of this machine. Find this group in the Main Hall on stand M72. And there is so much more… that’sjust three clubs out of so many…
Cherished classics on display
This 1963 Norton Atlas is aremarkable example of afully original ex-police training motorcycle, preserved in its standard factory specification, and will be one of the manyspecial ‘private entries’ at this year’sshow
Having served in law enforcement training,itcarries a unique historyand stands as a testament to the durability and reliability of Norton motorcycles. The current owner has cherished and maintained this classic for an impressive55years, ensuring its authenticity and mechanical integrity
This year marks aspecial occasion, as it will be the first time the bikehas been exhibited at the show,offering enthusiasts and collectorsarare opportunity to see this exceptional piece of motorcycling heritage up close.
The Norton is not alone
in being sure to attract attention and this 1958 Triumph T120 is another iconic British machine which showgoerscan enjoy. Renowned for its speed and reliability, and introduced as the Bonneville, thismachine featured a650cc paralleltwin engine, making it one of the fastest bikes of its time.
Elsewhere, this1924 Matchless R3 Sports Special is ameticulously restored vintage motorcycle, carefully rebuilt using aselection of original parts sourced from 1923 to 1927.
Manyofthe components have been expertly manufactured by the owner,demonstrating remarkable craftsmanship and dedication to authenticity. This painstaking restoration process has ensured that the bikenot
only retains its classic appeal but also remains in excellent mechanical condition. Atrue labour of love.
Also at the event is aslightly more modern(but still over 50 yearsold) 1970 BSA 250 Starfire. Lovingly brought back to its former gloryby the owner and his father manyyears ago, the owner will be exhibiting his pride and joyatthe show as aheartfelt tribute to his dad, who died last year
CAMPINGAREA
OUTSIDETRADE
OUTSIDETRADE
TIMETABLES
SATURDAY
9am -Bonhams’ Stafford Spring Sale opens for viewing 10am -Jack Burnicle talks with HenryCole inthe Main Hall
10.30am -John McCrink hosts the livestart-up of some incrediblemachines in the GP Paddockarea
11am -Owd Codgers’ trials demonstrations at theClassic DirtBikeExperience
11.30am -Live music by TheDaisy Bellesonthe bandstand
11.30am -John McCrink hosts the livestart-up of some incrediblemachines in the GP Paddockarea, plusspecial guest, HenryCole
12.30pm -Live music by TheDaisy Bellesonthe bandstand
1.30pm -Jack Burnicle talks with HenryCole andHoward Wilcox,Brough Superior Club, on stageinthe Main Hall
1.30pm -Live music by TheDaisy Belles on thebandstand
2.30pm -John McCrink hosts the live start-up of some incredible machines in the GP Paddockarea, plusspecial guest, HenryCole
3.30pm -Jack Burnicle talks with HenryCole on stage in the Main Hall.
5pm -Show closes
CARPARK
SUNDAY
9am -Bonhams’Stafford Spring Saleopens for viewing 10am -JackBurnicle talks with HenryCole in the Main Hall
10.30am -John McCrink hosts the live start-up of some incredible machines in the GP Paddock area
11am -Owd Codgers’ trials demonstrations at the Classic DirtBikeExperience
11.30am -Live music by The Daisy Bellesonthe bandstand
11.30am -John McCrink hosts the live start-up of some incredible machines in the GP Paddock area, plus special guest, HenryCole
12.30pm -Live music by The Daisy Bellesonthe bandstand
12.30pm -JackBurnicle talks with HenryColeand Howard Wilcox, Brough Superior Club, on stage in the Main Hall
1.30pm -Owd Codgers’ trials demonstrations at the Classic DirtBikeExperience
1.30pm -Live music by The Daisy Belles on the bandstand
2pm -John McCrink hosts the live start-up of some incredible machines in the GP Paddock area, plus special guest, HenryCole
3.30pm -JackBurnicle talks with HenryColeonstage in the Main Hall.
4pm -Awards presentation in the Main Hall
5pm -Show closes
www.classicbikeshows.com
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Head to Stand in the Main Hall for more details
Slip ‘n’ sliding,deathdefying Wall of Death!
Letusentertain you
The show isn’tjust for bikeenthusiasts –it’sanevent for the whole family!
To commemorate 80 yearssince the endofthe Second WorldWar,the Daisy Belles will performclassic 1940s-era songs at the bandstand throughout the weekend. Take aseat, grab apint and enjoyamusical break between admiring the stunning bikes on display.
Foradrenaline junkies, don’tmissthe thrilling,death-defyingWallofDeath! Watch as skilled motorcycle ridersperformdaring stunts on a20ft-high vertical wall, just inches from the crowd. This show needs to be seen to be believed.
Experience the roar of racing history in theGPPaddock
Step into the heartofracing history in the Grand Prix Paddock, the ultimate live start-up area at The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash.
Once there, you’ll feel the ground tremble as classic bikes, from prewarlegends through to iconic machines of amore recent vintage, roar into life. Watch as the passionate ownersand seasonedridersexpertly fireup these mechanical masterpieces, and hear their engines growlwith pure power and nostalgia.
Adding to the fabulous atmosphere, commentator John McCrink will takeyou on ajourneythrough time, sharing fascinating insights into the rich heritage of these machines.
Whether you’re alifelong enthusiast, or newtothe world of classic motorcycles, the live start-up area is an adrenalinefuelled spectacle guaranteed to captivate visitors.
Don’tmissyour chance to hear,feel and experience the incredible sound and historyfrom the golden age of motorcycling
