1931 Brough Superior Overhead 680 Black Alpine

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 Bentley & Draper spring 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 OHV 680s were sold, of which it is estimated that only some 127 survive in complete condition.

Its copy Works Record Card reveals that this Overhead 680 Black Alpine was supplied new to Scottish motor dealers Rossleigh, and that it left the factory with a Cruiser sidecar attached. The Brough retains its original frame, engine and gearbox, as confirmed by the WRC; unfortunately, we have been unable to locate a tank number. According to the WRC the original tank had a switch in the top, unlike that currently fitted which is likely to be a replacement.

The Brough does not appear to have travelled very far in its life (given it was originally supplied to Stirlingshire) and has been with the vendor in Edinburgh since 1965. There is a tax disc in the holder that expired on 30th November 1986, which is likely when the machine was last used (it still has good compression). Presented in delightful 'garage find' condition, ripe for sympathetic restoration, the machine is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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