{"id":33131,"date":"2025-01-30T08:00:18","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T08:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/?p=33131"},"modified":"2025-01-29T13:18:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T13:18:37","slug":"1936-brough-superior-project-profile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/1936-brough-superior-project-profile\/","title":{"rendered":"1936 Brough Superior \u2013 Project Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even to those without the slightest interest in motorcycles<\/a> there are certain makes and models that still ring a few distant bells in the old grey matter, and whilst they may not be in Saint Clement’s territory, they do chime nonetheless. That handful of bikes that everyone has heard of, whether a devotee of Ducati<\/a>, an AJS<\/a> aficionado, or those without a care in the world for two-wheeled transport. There’s the Vincent<\/a> Black Shadow, for example, the Triumph<\/a> Bonneville and of course, the Brough Superior.<\/p>\n

Arguably one of the most iconic and legendary motorcycle brands of all time, the history of Brough bikes<\/a> goes all the way back to the 1880s, with engineer and inventor William Brough establishing W.E. Brough & Co in 1888, but the first vehicle to break cover was in fact a car, not a motorcycle. By 1902, however, Brough had produced his first motor-bicycle and the premiere Brough Motorcycle \u2013 a V-Twin \u2013 followed eight years later.<\/p>\n

\"Brough,<\/a><\/p>\n

But it was William’s son George though who would really carry the torch for motorcycle manufacturing, setting up his own business \u2013 Brough Superior \u2013 in Nottingham in 1919, pretty much next to his old man’s workshop. Taking what he had learned working for his father, George set out to build a bike that was better in every way than anything currently on the market, an ethos that clearly influenced the name chosen to represent such a bike, and the Brough Superior was born in 1920. Up yours dad!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

These early 980cc V-Twins were innovative, hand-built machines that utilised the highest quality materials and were all tested by George Brough himself. As a result they garnered a reputation for performance and reliability and as such, sold like hot cakes, picking up numerous awards along the way. This dedication to quality and performance helped establish Brough Superior as one of the most prestigious motorcycle manufacturers in the world, with the Superior becoming known as the \u2018Rolls-Royce of motorcycles\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"Brough,<\/a><\/p>\n

Fast forward to 1922 and George and his team changed the game with the introduction of the Brough Superior SS80, a bike so good it would remain in production for 17 years. This ground-breaking new super-sports machine would win many a trophy and set many a record, beginning with becoming the first sidevalve-engined bike to lap Brooklands at over 100mph \u2013 ridden by George himself \u2013 and going on to take its place as one of the most revered and collectable classic motorcycles of all time.<\/p>\n

What is it? <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

This particular bike<\/a> is a 1936 Brough Superior De Luxe, with the De Luxe nomenclature denoting it as featuring a fully sprung rear wheel, bottom link front forks, a patented rolling stand, pillion footrests and a specially tuned Matchless engine, with Brough having switched to Matchless engines in 1935 due to their exceptional quality and performance.<\/p>\n

\"Brough,<\/a><\/p>\n

Not only is this a De Luxe version (frame no. M8\/ 1701), but it was also supplied from the factory with a Smiths 120mph speedometer, Miller headlamp and Monarch forks, along with an aluminium front chain case, non-valanced split rear mudguard, pannier bags and foot gear controls.<\/p>\n

In current family ownership since 1969, the bike has remained in this well-preserved condition ever since.<\/p>\n

Why is it a project? <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Having been out of use for over 50 years this Brough Superior will require recommissioning<\/a> but it is a complete example that retains virtually all of its original components. Thankfully the bike hasn’t been left in a field to rot and as such it has survived rather well, making any restoration process much easier to complete. The integrity of the frame is excellent, the body work is in good shape (with only the fuel tank in need of repair) and the 982cc Matchless V-Twin engine turns freely with good compression.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

What should you look for? <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Engine<\/span><\/strong>
\nPowerful, smooth, quiet and reliable whilst remaining relatively oil-tight, the Matchless engine featured in this Brough Superior appears to be in good shape but it’s still going to need a complete overhaul before you even think about starting the thing. A full service at the very least is in order with fresh everything being the name of the game.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Clutch and gearbox<\/span><\/strong>
\nThe Norton ‘doll’s head’ close ratio gearbox should make confident changes without any dragging or hesitation so check that the clutch isn’t slipping when pulling away or moving through the gears.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Parts<\/span><\/strong>
\nThe vendor states that \u201cvirtually\u201d all of the bike’s original components are included with the sale so check to make sure nothing is missing that can’t be easily replaced. The Brough Superior Owner’s Club<\/a> is a good place to start though, should you require any assistance.<\/p>\n

Fuel Tank<\/span><\/strong>
\nThe fuel tank does require some repair work but specifically what that entails isn’t specified in the listing. The Superior’s tank is a hand-made, multi-piece design that was silver soldered together before being chromed and painted so some specialist work may be required here, unless you can source a sound replacement.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Frame<\/span><\/strong>
\nThe bike’s frame is reported as being in excellent condition but it’s still worth having a proper inspection to make sure there’s no corrosion, cracks or any damage. Pay particular attention to the underside as the bike’s low ground clearance means that it’s all to easy to grind away metal, especially where the prop-stand and lug for the raised footrest hangers are concerned.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

What should you do with it? <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Seeing as how this<\/a> Brough Superior has been so well preserved we would initially concentrate on making sure all of the bike’s mechanicals are ship shape. This will then give you an opportunity to actually ride and enjoy the thing before deciding on what to do with the spit an polish side of it, whether that be embracing its patina or going down the full resto route.<\/p>\n

\"Brough,<\/a><\/p>\n

Whatever you decide to do with this SS80, you’ll be hard-pressed to lose money on it. Historically expensive, nothing much has changed in the ensuing century since these bikes<\/a> were first produced, but that cost is wholly justified due to the sheer quality involved, not to mention the bike’s inherent exclusivity. With a handful over 1,000 ever made that number has dwindled over the years, making this an exceptionally rare and sought after classic motorcycle that still cuts quite the dash today. Superior? Abso-bloody-lutely.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Even to those without the slightest interest in motorcycles there are certain makes and models that still ring a few distant bells in the old grey matter, and whilst they…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":33138,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[792,322],"tags":[7361,15,3491,7358,7363,963,13,2133,693,793,7364,6878,7362,14,2521,108,1096,7360,7359,1823],"yoast_head":"\n1936 Brough Superior \u2013 Project Profile - Car & Classic Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Superior by name, superior by nature, the Brough Superior is classic bike royalty and this well-preserved SS80 would make a worthy project.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/1936-brough-superior-project-profile\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"1936 Brough Superior \u2013 Project Profile - 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