The Vintage Motorcycles
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
The 1935 Brough Superior Model 11-50 was the largest production motorcycle in the Brough Superior range and one of the marque's most distinctive touring machines. Introduced in 1933, the 11-50 was developed around a 1,096cc J.A.P. 60-degree V-twin side-valve engine and was designed primarily as a fast, high-torque road motorcycle capable of carrying a sidecar.
The 11-50 occupied an important position between the SS80 touring model and the sporting SS100. Rather than concentrating on outright speed, George Brough developed the motorcycle around effortless torque, durability, long-distance touring, and sidecar operation.
The 1,096cc engine was supplied exclusively to Brough Superior by J.A. Prestwich. Its unusual 60-degree cylinder angle was designed specifically for the 11-50 and gave the motorcycle a distinctive engine configuration unlike the 50-degree V-twins used in several earlier Brough Superior models.
The engine used side valves, dry-sump lubrication, a magneto ignition system, and an Amal carburetor arrangement. The relatively low-stress engine architecture was particularly appropriate for the 11-50's intended touring and sidecar duties.
Power was transmitted through a four-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox and chain final drive. The chassis used Brough Superior's substantial frame, a girder-type front fork, rigid rear suspension with a sprung saddle, and drum brakes.
The 1935 model year is particularly significant because 47 examples of the 11-50 were produced, making it one of the more substantial annual production totals for the model while still leaving surviving examples exceptionally rare by modern standards.
George Brough introduced the 11-50 in 1933 as the final new production motorcycle model developed by Brough Superior. The motorcycle was created in response to demand for a large, dependable machine with strong performance and a lower price than the company's flagship sporting motorcycles.
The 11-50 used a purpose-built 1,096cc J.A.P. side-valve V-twin. The engine had a 60-degree cylinder angle and was developed specifically for Brough Superior, giving the motorcycle a large amount of low-speed torque suitable for carrying a sidecar.
The model quickly established a reputation as a capable touring and sidecar motorcycle. Police forces in Britain and overseas were among its customers, with examples supplied to forces in Canada and Australia as well as several British police departments.
The 11-50 remained in production from 1933 through 1939, with approximately 308 examples produced. This makes it one of the more numerous Brough Superior models, although the total production figure remains extremely small compared with mainstream British motorcycle manufacturers.
For 1935, Brough Superior produced 94 motorcycles across the complete range. Of these, 47 were 11-50 models, alongside 2 JAP-powered SS100s, 13 OHV 680s, and 32 SS80s using the new Matchless engine.
The 1935 11-50 therefore represents an important year in the development of the model. Brough Superior had continued refining the machine while maintaining the fundamental combination of the large J.A.P. side-valve V-twin, strong chassis, and touring-oriented specification.
Surviving 1935 examples can have significant individual histories. Some were supplied to police forces, while others were sold to private owners for touring or sidecar use. Factory Works Record Cards are particularly valuable because Brough Superior motorcycles were individually assembled and could be supplied with different forks, equipment, finishes, and sidecar arrangements.
The 1935 Model 11-50 is powered by a 1,096cc air-cooled four-stroke J.A.P. side-valve V-twin engine.
The cylinders are arranged at an unusual 60-degree angle. The engine uses an 85.5 mm bore and 95 mm stroke, giving a displacement of approximately 1,096cc.
The model designation 11-50 refers to the approximately 1,100cc engine capacity and its nominal 50 horsepower rating. In practice, period sources commonly give the engine output at approximately 32 horsepower, while Brough Superior's marketing emphasized the engine's large torque reserve and effortless performance rather than a simple peak horsepower figure.
The side-valve configuration was deliberately chosen for the 11-50's intended role. Side-valve engines were mechanically simple, compact, durable, and capable of producing strong torque at relatively modest engine speeds.
The large 95 mm stroke contributed to the engine's strong pulling characteristics. This was especially useful when the motorcycle was fitted with a passenger-carrying sidecar.
Lubrication was by a dry-sump system, an important development for such a large touring engine. The oil tank was separate from the crankcase, allowing the engine to operate with controlled oil circulation during extended running.
Fuel was supplied through an Amal carburetor system. Depending on the exact factory specification, the 11-50 could be fitted with different carburetion arrangements, and surviving examples should be compared with their original Works Record Cards.
The combination of large displacement, long stroke, moderate engine speed, and side-valve operation gave the 11-50 its characteristic effortless mechanical personality.
The 1935 Brough Superior 11-50 uses a four-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox.
The gearbox provides a useful spread of ratios for a large-capacity touring motorcycle, allowing the rider to exploit the strong torque of the J.A.P. V-twin while maintaining appropriate engine speed at higher road speeds.
The transmission was originally operated through a hand-change arrangement on early 11-50 examples. Foot-operated gear change was introduced during the model's later development, so individual motorcycles should be checked carefully for their original specification.
Primary drive is by chain from the engine to the clutch and gearbox.
Final drive is also by chain from the gearbox to the rear wheel.
The clutch is a dry multi-plate unit, providing the torque capacity required by the large V-twin engine.
The drivetrain was designed around durability rather than sporting delicacy. The large engine and four-speed gearbox gave the 11-50 strong acceleration and climbing ability without requiring frequent gear changes during normal touring.
The 11-50 uses a substantial Brough Superior frame designed around the large 1,096cc V-twin and the additional loads associated with sidecar operation.
The frame incorporates sidecar mounting points, reflecting the model's role as one of Brough Superior's principal sidecar motorcycles.
For 1935, front suspension could be specified with different fork systems. The Brough Superior Club records Druid girder forks, Brampton Monarch forks, and the deluxe Castle fork as available choices within the 1935 range.
Surviving 1935 11-50 examples therefore do not necessarily share exactly the same fork specification. The original factory documentation should be consulted before judging whether a particular fork assembly is correct for an individual machine.
The rear suspension was rigid on the 1935 model, with rider comfort provided by a sprung saddle. Later 11-50 development eventually introduced rear suspension, but this should not be automatically attributed to a 1935 motorcycle.
The large frame and rigid rear structure gave the 11-50 the strength required for heavy touring and sidecar operation.
The chassis was designed around stability and durability rather than lightweight handling. This was appropriate for a motorcycle whose primary purpose was effortless long-distance travel and passenger carrying.
The 11-50 uses drum brakes at both ends, providing the stopping power expected of a large and heavy motorcycle.
The motorcycle's substantial frame and large wheels contributed to a stable road-going character, while the girder front fork provided the traditional Brough Superior front-end arrangement of the period.
The low-revving V-twin engine was well suited to steady touring because it could produce useful torque without requiring constant high engine speeds.
When fitted with a sidecar, the motorcycle's heavy chassis and strong engine provided a stable platform for carrying a passenger and luggage.
The 11-50 was particularly well regarded for sidecar use. Its frame incorporated sidecar mounting points, and the large V-twin engine had the torque required to move a heavy combination at useful road speeds.
Period and modern references commonly describe the 11-50 as capable of approximately 85 to 90 mph in solo form, while sidecar combinations could maintain speeds around 70 to 75 mph depending on specification, gearing, load, and road conditions.
The 1935 Brough Superior 11-50 has a distinctly different appearance from the company's sporting SS100. Its large side-valve V-twin and substantial chassis give it a purposeful touring appearance rather than the compact sporting profile of the flagship model.
The large fuel tank, exposed engine, girder front fork, deep mudguards, wire wheels, and long wheelbase create the unmistakable silhouette of a pre-war Brough Superior.
The 60-degree J.A.P. V-twin is one of the motorcycle's most important visual features. Its broad engine installation dominates the center of the frame and clearly identifies the 11-50 as a large-capacity touring machine.
The 11-50 was designed around mechanical simplicity and effortless performance. Its side-valve engine avoided the complexity of overhead valve gear while still providing the large torque reserve that George Brough considered essential for heavy touring and sidecar use.
Brough Superior's reputation for quality also extended to the finishing of the 11-50. Even though it was positioned as a more practical model than the SS100, it retained the careful assembly and high-quality components associated with the marque.
Sidecar operation was one of the primary reasons for the development of the 11-50. The motorcycle's large 1,096cc V-twin engine was designed to provide the torque required to move a heavy combination without excessive mechanical stress.
The frame incorporated sidecar mounting points, allowing the model to be supplied as a dedicated motorcycle and sidecar combination.
The large engine, four-speed gearbox, strong frame, and drum brakes made the 11-50 particularly suitable for carrying passengers over long distances.
The motorcycle became popular with police forces partly because the sidecar configuration provided a practical platform for carrying an additional officer and equipment.
Examples were supplied to British police forces including Nottinghamshire and other regional forces, while overseas police organizations in Canada and Australia also used 11-50 combinations.
A surviving 1935 example in the Science Museum Group collection is a Brough Superior 11-50 motorcycle with sidecar, made in Nottingham in 1935. The complete combination has a recorded weight of 313 kg.
The sidecar capability is therefore not an accessory added to an otherwise purely sporting motorcycle. It was fundamental to the design philosophy of the 11-50.
The 11-50 has a very different mechanical personality from the overhead-valve Brough Superior SS100. Instead of emphasizing high engine speeds and maximum power, the 11-50 relies on large displacement, long stroke, and strong torque.
The side-valve V-twin produces a steady and deliberate power delivery that suits the motorcycle's touring purpose.
The 60-degree cylinder arrangement gives the engine a distinctive balance between compactness and cooling space while creating the unusual appearance that distinguishes the 11-50 from earlier Brough Superior V-twins.
The dry-sump lubrication system is well suited to extended touring because it provides a controlled oil supply during sustained operation.
The four-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox complements the engine's broad torque characteristics and allows the rider to select appropriate gearing for hills, heavy loads, and faster open-road riding.
Overall, the 11-50's mechanical character is best described as effortless, substantial, and durable rather than highly tuned or aggressive.
The 1935 model year was an important point in the development of the 11-50. The basic engine and chassis concept remained unchanged, but Brough Superior continued making detail improvements to the model.
Production records show that 47 examples of the 11-50 were produced during 1935, making it the second most numerous Brough Superior model that year behind the 32 Matchless-powered SS80s and ahead of the 13 OHV 680s and 2 JAP SS100s.
The 1935 Brough Superior range offered several front-fork choices, including Druid, Brampton Monarch, and the more luxurious Castle arrangement.
The oiling system of the 11-50 also received a minor modification concerning the oil feed to the rear wall of the front cylinder.
Earlier alloy cylinder heads had experienced teething problems, and by 1935 these had been replaced by cast-iron cylinder heads. This is an important detail when assessing the originality of a 1935 engine.
The model therefore represents a mature stage in the development of the 11-50, incorporating several refinements while retaining the fundamental characteristics that had made the motorcycle successful.
The Brough Superior 11-50 was introduced in 1933 and remained in production until 1939. Approximately 308 examples were produced over the model's seven-year production period.
The model became one of Brough Superior's more commercially successful motorcycles because it appealed to customers who wanted the prestige and quality of the marque without the cost or sporting character of an SS100.
Its usefulness as a sidecar machine also broadened the market. The 11-50 could serve as a high-speed touring combination, police motorcycle, or practical long-distance transport machine.
The model was particularly attractive to police forces because the large side-valve engine was mechanically straightforward and the motorcycle could carry substantial loads.
The 11-50's importance is also linked to Brough Superior's overall production history. The company built only around 3,000 motorcycles between its establishment and the end of production, making every surviving example historically significant.
Production of motorcycles ended in 1940 as the Second World War transformed British industrial priorities. Brough Superior did not resume motorcycle production after the war.
The 1935 Brough Superior Model 11-50 is highly significant to collectors because it combines the rarity and prestige of the Brough Superior marque with the distinctive engineering of the large J.A.P. 60-degree V-twin.
Its importance is increased by the relatively small production figure. Only 47 examples were built during 1935.
Originality is particularly important when evaluating a 1935 11-50. The engine, frame, gearbox, forks, fuel tank, carburetion, magneto, exhaust system, wheels, brakes, controls, and sidecar equipment should be checked against the original Works Record Card wherever possible.
The fork specification deserves particular attention because Brough Superior offered several front-end arrangements during this period. A Druid, Brampton Monarch, or Castle fork may be correct depending on the individual motorcycle's factory specification.
The engine should be examined for cylinder and valve wear, crankshaft and big-end condition, oil-pump operation, magneto condition, and evidence of previous repairs.
The gearbox should be checked for correct operation of all four ratios, shaft and bearing wear, selector condition, and evidence of non-original internal components.
The frame should be inspected for cracks, distortion, corrosion, previous repairs, and correct sidecar mounting points.
For motorcycles that originally served with police forces, documentation can be especially valuable. Registration records, police fleet records, Works Record Cards, restoration files, and photographs can establish a detailed history.
A well-documented 1935 11-50 with matching major components and its original specification represents a rare and historically important example of Brough Superior's final generation of large touring motorcycles.
The 1935 Brough Superior Model 11-50 matters because it represents the mature development of the company's largest production motorcycle and one of the most capable pre-war British sidecar machines.
Its 1,096cc J.A.P. 60-degree side-valve V-twin was developed specifically for Brough Superior and provided the large reserve of torque required for fast touring and heavy sidecar operation.
The 11-50 combined that engine with a four-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox, dry-sump lubrication, chain final drive, substantial frame, girder front fork, rigid rear chassis, and drum brakes.
Its reputation for effortless touring performance made it particularly attractive to police forces and professional users. Surviving examples can therefore have unusually interesting working histories compared with many other luxury motorcycles of the period.
The 1935 model year is particularly significant because 47 11-50 motorcycles were produced, and several documented examples from that year retain detailed histories involving police service, private ownership, and later restoration.
The 11-50 was also the last new production model introduced by Brough Superior. It remained in production until 1939 and became one of the final expressions of George Brough's philosophy of combining large-displacement performance with exceptional quality and refinement.
For collectors, the 1935 11-50 provides a direct connection to the final decade of the original Brough Superior company and to the golden age of British heavyweight touring motorcycles.
This 1935 Brough Superior Model 11-50 represents one of the most important touring motorcycles produced by George Brough's Nottingham factory and a rare surviving example of the marque's final generation of large-capacity machines.
The 1,096cc J.A.P. 60-degree side-valve V-twin was developed specifically for the 11-50 and provides the substantial torque for which the model became known. The engine is paired with a four-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox, dry-sump lubrication, chain primary drive, and chain final drive.
The 11-50 was designed specifically with sidecar operation in mind. Its strong frame incorporated sidecar mounting points, while the large V-twin engine provided enough torque to move a heavy combination at useful touring speeds.
The 1935 model year is particularly desirable because only 47 examples were produced. Surviving motorcycles can have significant histories, including police service, overseas use, private touring, and documented restoration.
The 1935 specification also reflects the continuing development of the model, including cast-iron cylinder heads replacing earlier alloy units and the availability of different front fork systems including Druid, Brampton Monarch, and Castle forks.
A genuine 11-50 with matching major components, correct period equipment, and supporting Works Record Card documentation represents a significant piece of Brough Superior history and one of the finest examples of pre-war British heavyweight touring engineering.
Contact us for additional photographs, detailed specifications, frame and engine numbers, service history, originality assessment, provenance, restoration details, Works Record Card information, sidecar history, and purchasing information for this 1935 Brough Superior Model 11-50.
Explore more Brough Superior motorcycles from the pre-war and classic eras.
The Vintage Motorcycles presents a curated selection of historically significant British vintage motorcycles, representing one of the most influential engineering traditions in European motorcycling history. From early single-cylinder machines developed during the formative years of industrial mobility to highly refined pre-war and post-war performance motorcycles, British manufacturers played a defining role in shaping both road and racing motorcycle development.
This collection includes machines from landmark marques such as AJS, Triumph, Vincent, Sunbeam, Matchless, BSA, Norton, Douglas, Royal Enfield, and other historically important British motorcycle manufacturers, each contributing to advancements in engine architecture, chassis design, and competitive performance engineering. These motorcycles are best understood within the broader framework of pre-war motorcycle engineering (1900-1939), as well as the subsequent evolution seen in post-war motorcycle development, where British engineering became closely associated with racing success and mechanical refinement.
Each motorcycle within our collection is sourced based on historical provenance, structural originality, and mechanical integrity, ensuring alignment with museum-grade preservation standards. For collectors seeking acquisition opportunities, available machines can be explored through our global vintage motorcycle inventory, supported by a fully insured international shipping service.
British motorcycle engineering during the interwar era became closely associated with precision craftsmanship, high-performance touring capability, and the pursuit of mechanical refinement. Within this landscape, Brough Superior motorcycles emerged as some of the most technically ambitious and meticulously constructed machines of their generation, establishing a reputation that extended far beyond conventional transportation.
Founded in Nottingham by George Brough, the marque distinguished itself through unusually rigorous production standards and the integration of premium proprietary components, particularly JAP V-twin engines. Unlike many contemporaries that emphasized mass production, Brough Superior approached motorcycle construction with a philosophy closer to bespoke engineering, where performance, reliability, and aesthetic proportion were treated as inseparable elements of the machine itself.
This engineering approach evolved alongside broader developments within British motorcycle history, where advances in metallurgy, frame geometry, lubrication systems, and long-distance reliability increasingly shaped the direction of motorcycle design during the 1920s and 1930s. Machines such as the Model 680 reflected these priorities through their balance of smooth power delivery, structural stability, and refined touring performance.
Beyond their mechanical specifications, Brough Superior motorcycles became enduring symbols of Britain's wider industrial and engineering identity during the early twentieth century. Their influence continues to occupy an important place within the historical study of luxury motorcycles, demonstrating how craftsmanship, technical innovation, and cultural aspiration converged to define one of the most respected names in pre-war motorcycling.
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