Lot 325 - 1932 Brough Superior Overhead 680 For Sale by Auction

This motorcycle is Lot 325 - 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 325
The Barry Winter Collection
1932 Brough Superior Overhead 680
Registration no. TV 6563
Frame no. 5/ 1188
Engine no. GTO/ Y 26134/ S* Gearbox no. NIV 2578
• Known post-war ownership history
• Barn stored from 1969 to 2014
• Present ownership since 2014
• Preserved
• Engine professionally rebuilt in 2018

Quite what George Brough's father - Nottingham-based motorcycle manufacturer William Edward Brough - thought when his younger son cheekily added the word 'Superior' to the family name when founding his rival marque can only be imagined, but it's thanks to this act of youthful bravado that we have one of the greatest and most-evocative names in motorcycling. W E Brough's machines had been innovative and well-engineered, and his son's continued the family tradition but with an added ingredient - style. J A Prestwich of London and Motosacoche of Geneva supplied v-twin engines for the MkI and MkII Brough Superiors respectively, though within a few years all models would be JAP-powered. Gearboxes were sourced from Sturmey-Archer and (initially) forks from Montgomery, while frame and accessory manufacture was contracted out to specialists in the British motorcycle industry's Midlands heartland.

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-litre models to the 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, the newcomer dubbed 'Black Alpine 680'.

This Overhead 680's copy Works Record card shows that it was ordered by a Mr North and collected from the works on 4th June 1932. The Brough was specified with Castle (Brampton) forks, a Lucas peaked headlamp, a Lucas MNV. 2 magneto, and a Jaeger 120mph speedometer. It is currently fitted with coil ignition, and a 100mph Bonniksen speedometer. The BSOC kindly confirm that the machine retains its matching frame, engine, and gearbox.

The machine's early history is not known, though the buff continuation logbook on file lists one Leslie Pierce of Eastleigh as owner in 1953. Four further owners are listed: Ledward Rivers of Millbrook (1960s); Alfred Henry Pullen of Reading (1966); Gilbert Fitchett (BSOC member) of Chalgrove, Oxfordshire (date unclear); and William (Bill) Faulkner of Oxford (change undated). Also on file is a current V5C and part of an old V5 (in Bill Faulkner's name). Our vendor acquired the Brough from Bill Faulkner in June 2014.

When purchased, the machine had been stored in Bill Faulkner's barn since the late 1960s and was covered in dust, carrying a tax disc that had expired in 1969. The decision was taken to preserve the Brough rather than restore it, although the engine has been rebuilt. Our vendor fitted the Bonniksen speedometer in 2015.

The Brough was featured in the Brough Superior Owners Club Newsletter (February 2018 issue), in an article entitled 'Rescue of 1932 Overhead 680 TV 6563', which highlights the machine's extraordinary history and the decision to conserve rather than restore it.

In October 2014 the engine and gearbox were left with Dave Clarke (the BSOC's technical specialist) for checking and were collected the following month (see summary of work done on file). Other works carried out in 2014 included having the Pilgrim oil pump serviced by Pete's Bikes, and replacing the rear wheel bearings. In 2015 the 17T (sidecar gearing) gearbox sprocket was replaced with a 22T and a new dished 45T rear sprocket fitted. A BSOC Karslake folding side stand was mounted on left-side footrest.

A new fuel tank was collected from Terry Hall of Grinshill near Shrewsbury in April 2015, and later that same year the Brough attended the Chalgrove Rally near former owner Gilbert Fitchett's home. A photograph was taken of bike with the Fitchett family. New Norton clutch plates from Mike Smith BSC Spares were fitted in May 2016, and in August 2017 'TV 6563' won the Don Webb Cup at the annual BSOC Rally.

In July 2018 the engine was rebuilt by Chris Fisher, including a rebore and new pistons plus new 'through bolts' (see summary of work on file). A new BTH 50-degree magneto was purchased and fitted in August 2018. The recommended setting is 36 degrees BTDC on the rear cylinder, then the front cylinder will be the same within half a degree. A locking pin goes through the top of the magneto and armature for timing purposes at point of firing. Starting instructions are available. It should be noted that although the front tyre is new, the rear is from the 1960s! A video of the machine running may be viewed on the Bonhams Motorcycles' web site. A wonderful opportunity to own and enjoy an outstanding early post-Vintage Brough.

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.