1933 Brough Superior Overhead 680

• Matching numbers (frame, engine, registration)
• Known ownership history
• Restored by marque specialist Simon Miles

With the SS80 and SS100 well established by the mid-1920s, it was decided to add a smaller and cheaper alternative to these two 1,000cc 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. The introduction of a cheaper Brough styled along SS100 lines would prove to be a shrewd move on George's part: sales were healthy and over 11 years of production 547 were sold, of which it is estimated that only some 127 survive in complete condition.

Built with the rigid frame and Castle forks, the example we offer was supplied new to Layton's of Oxford on 3rd May 1933. Copies of the Works Record Card listing its full specification are on file. Brough Club records show that the first owner was one Evelyn Herbert Salter of Hinckley. The Brough's subsequent ownership history can be traced back to 1944 on the old-style continuation logbook, with the fifth and final change of owner, to Thomas Ryder of Warwickshire, being dated March 1978. Tom Ryder owned 'JO 8068' until his death in 2017. The Brough was restored during his ownership, the engine crankcases being changed to (non-Brough) 'GTOY/S 98611/H' in the process; fortunately, the original cases were retained and would be reunited with this machine later on (see below).

Noted Brough restorer Simon Miles purchased a substantial quantity of spares from Tom Ryder during the 1980s, which included the original crankcases of 'JO 8068'. When the Ryder Broughs were sold by Verrall's in 2017, the next owner commissioned Simon Miles to restore the '680' and rebuild the engine using its original cases and new Alpha bearings. Other works included rebuilding the gearbox, and renewing the oil lines. Recently recommissioned by Simon for the current owner, the Brough will require running-in before vigorous use. The machine is offered with a history file and V5C document. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a matching-numbers Overhead 680.