When it was owned by his friend, Derek said: ‘If ever you want to sell …’ His chance came in 1984 and, since then, the bike has been ridden far and wide.
In very clean condition, the bike seems to have been regularly used. A 1932 model, it was first registered to Hampstead dealers Rowland Smith Motors Ltd. However, its main claim to fame is that it was once a show model, when it was paired with one of Brough’s sidecars. The logbook records six owners since 1947. It was present at the inaugural meeting of the Brough Owners’ Club in 1958.
When Derek acquired the bike, it had the wrong headlamp. Stopping at a garage on his way home from the TT, the garage owner was impressed to see a Brough on his premises. He went to his stores and produced the correct headlamp. In nearly 30 years of ownership, Derek has replaced the exhaust system, the magneto has needed attention three times and has changed the valves and guides.
Times change – Derek paid his friend £150 for the bike!
