Property of a deceased's estate, 1927 Brough Superior Overhead 680 Project

Registration no. TO 5890 Frame no. 612 Engine no. GTO/I 82136/SD

• Present ownership since 1978
• Offered for restoration

With the SS80 and SS100 well established by the mid-1920s, it was decided to add a smaller and cheaper alternative to these two 1-litre models to the Brough Superior range. JAP was already producing a 674cc sidevalve v-twin engine and this unit, redesigned to accommodate overhead valves, went into Brough's new 'Overhead 680'. First shown to the public at the Olympia Motorcycle Show in 1926, the 'Miniature SS100', as George Brough called it, entered production for 1927. The new middleweight Brough was an instant success and for the 1930 season was joined by a version to higher specification. First seen at the 1929 Motorcycle Show, the newcomer was dubbed 'Black Alpine 680', a reference to the lavishly equipped SS100 Alpine Grand Sports and the fact that the newcomer boasted a distinctive all-black eggshell finish. Principal mechanical difference from the standard Overhead 680 was the adoption of the patented Draper sprung frame.

This early Vintage-era Overhead 680, frame number '612', left the factory on 2nd June 1927 with engine '80033' bound for Hiltons Garage. Brough Superior Club records note that 'TO 5890' was acquired in April 1978 by the late owner, Richard Gulvin, who installed the engine currently fitted ('82136') which had started life in frame '606', an Overhead 680 sent to Halloway Bros on 31st May 1927. It is worthwhile noting that '82136' is fitted with one of well-known Brough Superior restorer Dave Clark's through-bolt conversions.

The gearbox ('11636') does not appear in Brough records though '11631', '11638' and '11639' do (in August and September 1928). Tank '1720' is original to '612'. The front numberplate likewise is a Brough original, and the (unfitted) front and rear mudguards and carrier look correct. The loose rear numberplate is a modern cast reproduction, while the ML magneto is not correct for this model. Records show that in 1973 'TO 5890, was resident in Chapel Allerton, Leeds having once been fitted with a c.1923 non-Brough sidevalve engine.

This potentially most rewarding project is offered with a copy of its Works Record Card; an old-style buff logbook (issued 1938); and an old-style V5 registration document. The registration 'TO 5890' is recorded in the DVLA and HPI databases; nevertheless, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding.
Offered without key