Property of a deceased's estate, 1937 Brough Superior 11-50 & Watsonian Cruiser Motorcycle Combination

Legendary superbike of motorcycling's between-the-wars 'Golden Age', the Brough Superior was synonymous with high performance, engineering excellence and quality of finish. That such a formidable reputation was forged by a motorcycle constructed almost entirely from bought-in components says much for the publicity skills of George Brough. But if ever a machine was more than the sum of its parts, it was the Brough Superior. 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. And in the 'Roaring Twenties' there were sufficient wealthy connoisseurs around to prove him right, T E Lawrence ('Lawrence of Arabia') being the most famous example.

The speed with which the name 'Brough Superior' established itself as synonymous with excellence may be gauged from the fact that the famous 'Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles' sobriquet was first coined in 1921 when the marque was barely two years old. The story goes that Rolls-Royce objected to their name being associated with a mere motorcycle - until they examined one of George's creations.

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 SS80 touring and SS100 super-sports 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.

First registered on 16th January 1937, this Brough Superior 11-50 was supplied new as a motorcycle combination to W E Clark Ltd (possibly of Belper, Derbyshire). On file is a handwritten copy of the factory records which states the following:

Model: 11.50 SV 1937 Rigid
Sidecar: Watsonian Cruiser c/w AGS Chassis
Forks: Monarch
Wheels: Enfield

It should be noted that the engine number stamping appears unusually distorted, even though it is in the correct area and matches the typeface of other period J.A.P. factory engine stamps. Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this lot's component parts prior to bidding.

The Brough is offered with a V5C, old V5, and a continuation buff logbook from 1958 issued by Doncaster County Borough Council listing the following owners: Mr Benjamin Moss Shaw, Balby, Doncaster (1958); Jack Asquith, Doncaster (1963?); and Stanley Payne, Doncaster (1972). The lady vendor's late husband acquired the Brough in 1984. The machine was restored by him and returned to the road in 1987 (see MoT certificate on file). All work was carried out by the late owner or local contractors (there are no receipts). Not used for some time, the Brough will require careful re-commissioning before further use (the engine turns over).
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