Property of a deceased's estate, 1937 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50hp

Registration no. DTO 677 Frame no. M8/1823 Engine no. LTZ/F 56205/SN

• Matching frame and engine
• Restored circa 2000 by Dave Clark

Legendary superbike of motorcycling's between-the-wars 'Golden Age', the Brough Superior was synonymous with high performance, engineering excellence and quality of finish. Always the perfectionist, Brough bought only the best available components for his motorcycles, reasoning that if the product was right, a lofty price tag would be no handicap. Launched in 1933, the 1,096cc 11-50 was the largest Brough Superior to enter series production. Powered by a sidevalve v-twin (of unusual 60-degree configuration) supplied exclusively to the Nottingham factory by J A Prestwich, the 11-50 fitted into the Brough price range between the touring SS80 and super-sports SS100 models. The 11-50 was conceived as a long-legged, effortless tourer and could exceed 90mph in solo form or pull a heavy sidecar at up to 75mph; indeed, in the latter role it was one of the finest sidecar mounts of its day. Production lasted until 1939, by which time the 11-50 was the only JAP-powered machine in the Brough Superior range.

This 11-50 has the rigid frame and Monarch front fork that characterised the 'standard' offering for sidecar use (Castle forks and rear suspension were options). Although it left the Nottingham factory in solo form, the Brough was later attached to a sidecar (see copy Works Record Card and old-style continuation logbook on file). 'DTO 677' is offered from the estate of a late important UK-based private collector, who bought it at a London auction in December 1994. Prior to his ownership the Brough had belonged to Peter Tacon of Steyning, West Sussex and before him to Mr Sidney Arthur Mason of Norwich, to whom it was registered in January 1959. The history file contains a substantial quantity of bills and correspondence from George Brough Ltd, much of it dating from Mr Mason's ownership, together with photographs, instruction books, photocopied literature, expired MoTs, BS Club newsletters, and a current V5C.

Circa 2000 the Brough was comprehensively restored for the late owner by renowned marque specialist Dave Clark (see file for related correspondence and a detailed description of the works carried out). It should be noted that the 'doll's head' gearbox ('SN64349') is a replacement, as is the (unnumbered) fuel tank. Unused for some considerable time, the machine will require recommissioning or restoration to a greater or lesser extent. Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the condition and completeness prior to bidding.