Brough-Superior 1932 680 677 cc 2 cyl OHV 3507

Brough-Superior 1932 “Overhead 680” 677 cc OHV V-twin frame # 5/1188 engine # GTO/Y 26134/S* Gearbox # NIV 2578

With the SS80 and SS100 well established by the mid-1920s, it’s decided to add a smaller and cheaper alternative to these two 1-litre models to the range. The market for the expensive B-S machines is not large and in order to stay firmly in business an extension of the range in a more affordable part of the market is a logical step. And a smart one too: B-S historians have claimed that the 680 model was such a good seller that it saved the company from bankruptcy. The ‘680’ is first shown to the public at the Olympia Motorcycle Show in 1926. George Brough introduces the new model in the 1927 catalogue: “At the request of a very large number of riders and practically every “Brough Superior” agent, a 680 cc overhead valve twin has been included in the “Brough Super” programme for 1927. Practically speaking this machine is a smaller edition of the “S.S.100”. Its specification is such as to place it in a class by itself. It will do 8 to 80 m.p.h. on top gear, and steers perfectly without bounce or wobble at any speed. The petrol and oil consumption are abnormally low whilst the saddle height is lower than any medium powered machine on the market. All the fitments are up to “Brough Superior” standard and nowhere has quality been sacrificed to price.” The first year of production 144 overhead 680 machines are sold, almost twice as much as the sales of the heavier models. Total production of the 680 between 1927 and 1936 sums up to 547 machines. This makes it the second best selling B-S, after the S.S.80.
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 information file that comes with the 680 comprises a copy of the works record card, an old-style continuation logbook, a V5, an overview plus invoices of the mechanical restoration and preservation work that has been carried out and a very informative article in the February 2018 issue of the BSOC Newsletter. The article entitled ‘Rescue of 1932 Overhead 680 TV 6563’ highlights the machine’s extraordinary history (she was barn-stored from 1969 till 2014) and the decision to conserve rather than restore her. A very practical feature is the BSOC “ Karslake” folding side stand that is mounted under the left side footrest.

Video: https://youtu.be/evSbZO_ckSo