William Brough and Brough Motors
In 1902, William Brough started his own business as a motorcycle builder and repairer in Nottingham, England. He quickly gained a reputation for his expertise and attention to detail, and his business expanded rapidly. In 1908, Brough introduced his first motorized tricycle, which he called the Brough Mobile. The vehicle was powered by a V-twin engine and was capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
Brough continued to innovate and refine his designs, and in 1912 he introduced the Brough Superior, a high-performance motorcycle that was designed for speed and luxury. The Brough Superior was known for its exceptional engineering and craftsmanship, and it quickly became a favorite of wealthy and influential riders.
In 1919, Brough established Brough Motors as a separate company, with the goal of producing luxury automobiles that would rival the best in the world. The first Brough Motors car, the Brough 18/24, was introduced in 1920 and was an immediate success. The car was powered by a six-cylinder engine and featured a luxurious interior, with plush upholstery and polished wood trim.
Despite its early success, Brough Motors struggled in the years that followed. The company faced fierce competition from established luxury car makers such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley, and the economic downturn of the early 1920s made it difficult for Brough Motors to find customers. In 1926, the company was forced to declare bankruptcy, and William Brough was forced to retire from the automobile business. However, Brough's legacy as a pioneering engineer and innovator lived on, and his designs continued to influence the world of high-performance motorcycles and luxury automobiles for many years to come.
George Brough and Brough Superior
His son George Brough founded Brough Superior as British motorcycle manufactory in Nottingham, England in 1919. Prior to establishing his own company, Brough worked for his father's motorcycle business, Brough's Motorcycles, where he gained extensive knowledge and experience in motorcycle design and construction.
In 1919, Brough set out to create a new type of motorcycle that was faster, more powerful, and more reliable than anything on the market at the time. He called his new creation the Brough Superior and it quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest motorcycles in the world.
The early Brough Superior motorcycles were hand-built using only the highest quality materials and components, and were designed for speed and performance. They featured powerful engines, innovative suspension systems, and streamlined bodywork that made them both fast and visually striking.
One of the defining features of Brough Superior motorcycles was their attention to detail. Each motorcycle was meticulously crafted by hand and no two were exactly alike. Brough also personally tested each motorcycle to ensure that it met his exacting standards of performance and reliability.
Despite their high price tag, Brough Superior motorcycles quickly gained a following among wealthy and discerning riders who valued their performance and craftsmanship. In the years leading up to 1919, Brough Superior won numerous awards for its motorcycles at various competitions and exhibitions.
Overall, the first years of Brough Superior were characterized by a commitment to excellence in motorcycle design and construction. George Brough's dedication to quality and performance helped establish the company as one of the most prestigious motorcycle manufacturers in the world.