Lot 315 - 1927 Brough Superior Overhead 680 For Sale by Auction

This motorcycle is Lot 315 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.

Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.

Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).

Lot 315
The Connoisseurs Collection
1927 Brough Superior Overhead 680
Registration no.
Frame no. 575
Engine no. GTO/ I 79378/ SD Gearbox no. 113307 (matching records)
• Possibly the only surviving Brough Superior delivered new to Japan
• Matching frame and engine
• An older restoration by Tennant-Eyles
• Requires recommissioning following a period of storage

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.

Possibly the only Japanese-supplied Brough Superior that exists, this Overhead 680 was purchased for the collection in 2003 from a Ms Riko Iris Senba in Saitama, Japan (purchase invoice on file). Ms Senba had inherited the Brough from her uncle, who had owned it for at least 50 years. In May 1927 the factory had dispatched this machine to 'T Morimaya' and it went to Tokyo. In 1989 the Brough was restored by Tennant-Eyles; it has a matching frame and engine and is a rare survivor. Other notable features include a 100mph Bonniksen speedometer, Lucas lighting set and a Lucas magdyno. I should be noted that there is a small hole in the underside of the fuel tank. It is probable that the tank was restored as part of the Tennant-Eyles restoration but it has not proved possible to locate a factory number on it.

Accompanying documentation includes a copy of the Works Record Card and a Tennant-Eyles advertisement from The Classic MotorCycle magazine which features the machine post-restoration. It was declared to the Brough Club by an M Senba in October 1983. It is presumed that Ms Senba commissioned Tennant-Eyles to restore the machine following acquisition. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Key not required.

All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.