Lawrence Of Arabia's Brough Superior: What Happened?

What happened to Lawrence of Arabia's Brough Superior? This is a question that sparks curiosity among history buffs and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. T.E. Lawrence, the legendary British archaeologist, military officer, and writer, was famously known for his wartime exploits in the Arab Revolt and his deep affection for his seven Brough Superior motorcycles. These machines weren't just modes of transport for Lawrence; they were extensions of his adventurous spirit, symbols of his freedom, and constant companions on his journeys. His relationship with these motorcycles was so profound that he even gave them individual names, treating them almost like living beings. The most famous of these, of course, was his final Brough Superior, a SS100 model, often referred to as 'Boa' or 'Chopper'. It was this very motorcycle that was involved in the tragic accident that led to Lawrence's untimely death in 1935. The fate of this specific Brough Superior, after the crash, has been a subject of much speculation and interest. Did it get destroyed? Was it salvaged? Or is it still somewhere, a silent testament to a remarkable life? Let's dive deep into the story of Lawrence of Arabia's beloved machines and uncover the fate of that iconic Brough Superior.

The Man, The Myth, The Machines

To truly understand the significance of the Brough Superior motorcycles in T.E. Lawrence's life, we need to get a grip on who this guy was. Lawrence, or 'Lawrence of Arabia' as the world came to know him, was an absolute legend. During World War I, he played a pivotal role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, using his incredible knowledge of the region and his knack for guerrilla warfare to great effect. He was a brilliant strategist, a fearless leader, and a writer whose accounts of his experiences, like 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom', captivated readers worldwide. But beyond the battlefields and the books, Lawrence had a passion that many might not immediately associate with a wartime hero: motorcycles. Specifically, he was obsessed with Brough Superior motorcycles. These weren't your average bikes; they were the Ferraris of their day – luxurious, powerful, and incredibly well-engineered. George Brough, the maker, even called them 'the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles'. Lawrence owned seven of them throughout his life, and he truly cherished them. He would spend hours tinkering with them, maintaining them with meticulous care, and riding them at high speeds across the countryside. For Lawrence, these machines represented freedom, independence, and a way to escape the pressures of his public life. He named each one, which just goes to show how personal his relationship with them was. There was 'Zenith', 'King George', 'Miss Mildred', 'Detrimental', 'The Great Fight', and of course, his final, most famous ride, the SS100, which he nicknamed 'Boa' or 'Chopper'. He even wrote about his experiences with them, detailing their performance and the sheer joy he derived from riding them. His affinity for these high-performance machines was so strong that he even requested to be buried in his Brough Superior uniform, a testament to their importance in his identity. The bikes were his escape, his therapy, and his constant companions.

The Ill-Fated Ride: Lawrence's Final Journey

So, we know Lawrence loved his Brough Superiors, but what actually happened to his final one? This is where the story takes a tragic turn. On May 13, 1935, Lawrence was riding his SS100 Brough Superior, the one affectionately nicknamed 'Boa' or 'Chopper', near his home in Dorset, England. He was on his way to the post office to collect a telegram. In a moment that would forever be etched in history, Lawrence swerved to avoid colliding with two young boys on bicycles who had suddenly emerged from a dip in the road. He managed to avoid hitting the boys, but in doing so, he lost control of his powerful machine. The Brough Superior skidded and flipped, throwing Lawrence from the bike. The crash was severe, and Lawrence sustained critical head injuries. He was rushed to the hospital but sadly passed away just six days later, on May 17, 1935, at the age of 46. The accident was a devastating loss, not only for the world that had come to admire his exploits but also for the motorcycle community, who saw him as a true pioneer of high-speed riding and machine appreciation. The very motorcycle that symbolized his freedom and passion became the instrument of his demise. It's a poignant and incredibly sad irony that a man so skilled in navigating treacherous terrains and life-or-death situations met his end in such a manner, on the machine he loved most. The image of Lawrence, the war hero, the intellectual, the adventurer, meeting his end on a motorcycle is both shocking and deeply human. It highlights the inherent risks associated with the speed and thrill he so adored, a risk he clearly accepted in his pursuit of adventure and personal freedom. The accident itself was a stark reminder that even the most experienced riders are vulnerable, and that fate can intervene in the most unexpected ways.

The Fate of 'Boa' or 'Chopper'

Now, let's get to the million-dollar question: what happened to Lawrence's Brough Superior after the crash? This is where the narrative gets a bit murky, and different accounts exist, but the most widely accepted version is that the motorcycle, 'Boa' or 'Chopper', was damaged in the accident but not entirely destroyed. Following Lawrence's death, his family and associates were keen to preserve his memory and, perhaps, distance themselves from the tragic circumstances. According to numerous sources, including the Brough Superior Club and various historical accounts, the motorcycle was eventually sold to the Imperial War Museum in London. However, it wasn't put on public display immediately. Instead, it was kept in storage for many years. The museum, for reasons not entirely clear but likely due to its association with a fatal accident and perhaps a desire not to glorify it, chose not to exhibit it prominently for a long time. It's possible they felt it was too sensitive a piece of history. Over the decades, the 'Boa' remained largely out of public view, becoming a sort of mythical artifact. Eventually, however, the Imperial War Museum did decide to restore and display it. Today, you can see Lawrence of Arabia's final Brough Superior. It is housed at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, as part of their "Revolution in Warfare" exhibition. The motorcycle has been carefully restored, though it still bears the marks and patina of its history, a tangible link to the legendary T.E. Lawrence and the fateful day in 1935. It's not just a motorcycle; it's a piece of history, a symbol of an extraordinary life, and a reminder of the fragility of life itself. The fact that it survived, and is now preserved for future generations to see, is a fitting tribute to the man who loved it so dearly. It stands as a silent witness to his daring rides and his ultimate sacrifice.

Other Brough Superiors: A Lingering Legacy

While the fate of Lawrence's final Brough Superior, 'Boa', is a story in itself, it's important to remember that he owned seven of these magnificent machines. So, what happened to the others? Unlike 'Boa', the stories of Lawrence's other Brough Superiors are less documented and more scattered. Some were sold off by Lawrence himself during his lifetime, perhaps to fund his extensive travels or simply because he acquired a newer model. Others were likely sold or dealt with by his estate after his death. It's a challenge to definitively track the complete history of each of the seven bikes. However, it's known that at least one other of his Brough Superiors, a 1923 Brough Superior O.H.V. 'WS' model, is also preserved. This particular motorcycle, which Lawrence rode extensively in the early 1920s, is part of a private collection. Unlike the 'Boa', which is publicly displayed and linked directly to his death, this earlier bike represents Lawrence's formative years with the Brough Superior marque, showcasing his growing fascination and reliance on these machines. The existence of these other bikes, even if their whereabouts are not always known, adds another layer to Lawrence's passion. It wasn't just a fleeting interest; it was a deep and abiding love affair with engineering and the freedom that these motorcycles provided. Imagine the sheer thrill of riding these powerful machines across the desert or through the English countryside in the early 20th century! While many might focus solely on the last, tragic ride, the collective story of all his Brough Superiors paints a richer picture of Lawrence's life. They were his tools, his toys, and his constant companions on his journey through a life that was anything but ordinary. The legacy of T.E. Lawrence is intertwined with these iconic motorcycles, and their survival, in whatever form, ensures that a part of his adventurous spirit lives on.

Why the Fascination? The Enduring Allure

So, guys, why are we still so captivated by the story of Lawrence of Arabia and his Brough Superior? It's a combination of factors, really. Firstly, you've got T.E. Lawrence himself – a larger-than-life historical figure. He's the quintessential romantic adventurer: the war hero, the scholar, the poet, the rebel. His exploits in the Arab Revolt are the stuff of legends, and his writing, especially 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom', is incredibly powerful. He was a man of contradictions, a complex character who navigated the complexities of war and politics with a unique blend of intellect and daring. This inherent mystique makes anything associated with him incredibly interesting. Then you add in the Brough Superior motorcycles. These weren't just any bikes; they were the pinnacle of motorcycle engineering in their time. Think of them as the vintage supercars of the 1920s and 30s. They were fast, powerful, beautifully built, and a symbol of luxury and performance. Lawrence's deep and almost spiritual connection with these machines – naming them, maintaining them, riding them with abandon – elevates them beyond mere transportation. They became an integral part of his identity, a representation of his desire for freedom and his rejection of convention. The tragic end, the accident involving his final Brough Superior, adds a dramatic and poignant layer to the story. It's a stark reminder of the risks associated with his passions and the unpredictable nature of life. The fact that this specific motorcycle, 'Boa', survived the crash and is now a preserved artifact at the Imperial War Museum, allows us to connect directly with that history. It’s a tangible link to a legendary figure and a pivotal moment in time. This combination of a legendary figure, iconic machinery, a deep personal connection, and a tragic, yet preserved, ending creates an enduring fascination. It's a story that speaks to our love of adventure, our admiration for skill and engineering, and our contemplation of mortality. It’s a narrative that continues to inspire and intrigue us decades later.