1930 Brough Superior Overhead 680

• Present ownership since 1959
• Remarkably original
• Matching frame, engine, fuel tank
• Garage stored since the 1960s
• Offered for restoration

'OG 2587' was supplied new to Frank Hallam, at that time the Brough Superior agents in Birmingham, and first registered on 21st June 1930. The copy Works Record Card refers to the machine as a 'Black Alpine', though in this case that is merely a reference to the tank finish. According to the Brough Superior Club's Mike Leatherdale: "This 680 has survived remarkably intact with just a few changes e.g. headlamp, silencers, luggage carrier."

Owner David Ilsley, an early Brough Superior Club member, acquired the OHV 680 in October 1959 after leaving school and while living in Leicester. This was his regular mode of transport and, later in 1959, he took it with him when he moved to a new job in Welwyn Garden City.

David first met his future wife Josephine (Jo) in 1960 while they were both working in Welwyn. David and Jo moved to a flat in Stevenage and married in 1962. This flat was unusual in that it had a garage, so the Brough had a home and a place to be worked on, which was vital as it was used for the daily commute to work.

It is evident from correspondence with George Brough Ltd in 1959-1961 that David was having difficulty sourcing spares for the Brough, now 30 years old. In the early 1960s, a second Brough Superior OHV 680 - 'GK 5804', also in this sale - was purchased for use as a spare parts donor. Probably as a result of the problems with keeping it serviceable, 'OG 2587' fell out of use and a Norton became David's regular transport while both Broughs remained in the garage. In November 1963, 'OG 2587' was again made serviceable and passed the MoT test. It was taxed for the final time in February 1964. 'OG 2587' was never ridden again but both Broughs have been garage stored since then.

There was always the dream of restoring 'OG 2587' but, as so often happens, life got in the way. David is now in a nursing home while Jo still lives in the family home near Cowbridge. Although it comes with a buff logbook for 'OG 2587', that registration does not appear on the DVSA/HPI database. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the validity of the VRN prior to bidding. Ripe for sympathetic restoration, the Brough is offered with a fascinating history file (perusal recommended).
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