William Brough and Brough Motors
Although W.E. Brough & Co. was established in 1888, it was six years later that he built the workshop where he would eventually create his first car, a 3 1/2 hp De Dion-powered machine with belt final drive, which he completed in 1898 while still working at the colliery. In the same year, he also built a 2 1/2 hp De Dion-powered tricycle and soon after left the colliery to venture out on his own.
Brough's business consisted of general engineering, bicycle manufacturing, and supplying components to the emerging motorcycle industry. After building his first motor-bicycle in 1902, he went on to produce his first V-twin Brough motorcycle in 1910.
Not content with just manufacturing motorcycles, William built his second car in 1908. Furthermore, he created cyclecars and the three-wheeled two-seater Sociables. 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.
William did not lose his enthusiasm for motorcycles. Although motorcycle production ended after 1927, Brough Motors remained in business as motor engineers, retaining the capability to manufacture their own engines in-house. George Brough often turned to his father’s engineering knowledge and skills to to solve problems in the development of his own machines
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 following, 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.