Brough Superior SS100

Georges Brough wanted to produce luxury motorcycles from the very beginning and that's what he did. In 1924, he introduced the first SS100, a Super Sport motorcycle which, unlike the production of the time, was destined to be essentially a single-seater.

Created for rich and famous lovers of beautiful mechanics and speed, like Lawrence of Arabia, the SS100 has entered the history of luxury. By its design, look, finish and performance, this emblematic model of the brand has amply earned the name "Rolls-Royce de la moto".

Production was stopped in 1939, on the eve of the Second World War, but Georges Brough's SS100 remained mythical. It has gone through the years and has reach dizzying prices in auctions.

In 2004, an English entrepreneur Mark Upham bought the brand to revive it, and it was with a Frenchman, Thierry Henriette and his design office, Boxer Design, that has brought this moto back to life more modern and luxurious than ever.

An icon built for icons, Brough Superior’s Super Sports 100 was designed for the roaring 20’s most adventurous and fabulous lovers of beautiful mechanics and speed. A favorite of the likes of Lawrence of Arabia (who himself owned seven), the SS100 has firmly secured its place as a landmark luxury in the history of fine motors.

The “100” in SS100 stands for this special motorcycle’s maximum speed. A certificate packaged with each handcrafted bike assured the buyer that the motorcycle has been timed at 100mph or more on the quarter mile. The classic design, sleek finish, and peak performance of this model has made it the emblematic standard of Brough Bikes.

Now, this model has been modernized with the finest details. Its iconic straps are energized by their new tilt, which gives dynamic movement to the tank. The front and rear mudguards have been revamped with more fluid, sportier curves. The SS100’s headlight surround has evolved with a radius that softens its shape and echoes the evolution of the bodywork.

Each SS100 is custom built, down to the last detail and designed to soar seamlessly as an extension of the rider.  Color options: Black, titanium, traditional black/silver with gold lines.

SS100 as Super Sport and 100 as 100 miles/h

The SS100 is the iconic model. It has served as the basis for such exceptional models as the Sand Racer Pendine and the SS100 Alpine Grand Sport.

In terms of innovation, Georges Brough has switched from Geneva's MAG engines to the 998 cc JAP engines, produced especially for his machines. The cycle piece fully brazed and not bolted as on some competing machines, and a fork manufactured under Harley-Davidson license by Castel Forks, a company owned by G. Brough and H. Karslake, are other notable points.

Each SS100 is then sold with a certificate attesting to its guaranteed speed. Each model is assembled once, tested for its performance, then dismantled to receive the five layers of enamel and nickel plating on copper and fine gold thread.

With the SS100, G. Brough has created machines that are as beautiful to look at as they are wonderful to drive.

Rebirth of a myth

Despite all the attention G. Brough paid to his machines, despite the incomparable quality and prestige of the brand, the name has been forgotten over the years. This may be due to the fact that production couldn't resume after the Second World War.

However, some enthusiasts continue to admire the motorcycles still in circulation and prices are reaching heights at auction.

Then came Mark Upham. He wanted to revive this excellence and then turned to Thierry Henriette. He was able to reinvent the SS100 without distorting it. He brought him the advanced technicality of aeronautics for certain parts, an engine designed by Akira's goldsmiths and a casing and finish worthy of the most beautiful dresses of great couturiers.

Today, the most famous English brand has become exclusively French, produced entirely in the South-West region with the same rigor, finesse and luxury as at the beginning of the last century.

Source Brough Superior