Brough Superior Eric Fernihough 1937 world record attempt Brooklands photo

Description

This great photograph shows
the great
Eric Fernihough
on the magnificent
Brough Superior World Record bike
, photographed shortly after his world record attempt at the British
Brooklands
in
1937
.
Eric Fernihough
(
17 February 1905
—
23 April 1938
) was a British world record breaker and motorcycle racer. In 1927, Fernihough made his only participation in the Isle of Man TT, finishing thirteenth in the 250 cc Lightweight TT. In the first half of the 1930s, Fernihough took part in many international races for the Excelsior Motor Company. In April 1930 he won the North West 200 race in Northern Ireland in the 175cc category. In the Belgian Grand Prix of the same year, Fernihough finished second to the local rider Yvan Goor. In September 1930, he won the UMF Grand Prix in
Pau
,
France
. In June 1931, Fernihough won his second UMF Grand Prix in the 175cc category and with it the title of European Champion. That year he also won the Belgian Grand Prix and the 250 cc category races at the
North West
200 and Swedish TT. In 1932, Fernihough won the 175 cc races at the Dutch TT, the UMF Grand Prix and the Belgian Grand Prix. 1933 saw Fernihough and Excelsior win their fourth consecutive UMF Grand Prix in the 175cc class. In 1935, riding a Brough Superior, Fernihough improved the lap record at the Brooklands circuit, one of the fastest tracks of the time, to
123.58 miles
per hour (198.88 km/h). In 1936, Fernihough set a new motorcycle land-speed record for solo motorcycles over the flying mile on a Brough Superior at a speed of
163.82 miles
per hour (263.64 km/h)
(SEE PHOTO!)
.
The following year, he improved the record using a supercharged 1000 cc J.A.P. engine, upping the flying kilometre record to
169.79 miles
per hour (273.25 km/h). He also set a new record for sidecar motorcycles at
137 miles
per hour (
220 km/h
). On
23 April 1938
, Fernihough crashed and unfortunately passed away while attempting to break the motorcycle land-speed record at
Gyón
,
Hungary
.
Brough Superior
motorcycles were dubbed the "Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles" by H. D. Teague of The Motorcycle newspaper. Approximately 3048 of 19 models were made in 21 years of production. In 2004, around 1000 still exist. T.E. Lawrence ("Lawrence of Arabia") owned seven bikes and died from injuries sustained while crashing one. George Bernard Shaw was another among many celebrities that were enthusiastic about Brough products. The Brough Superior motorcycles and motor cars were made by George Brough in his Brough Superior works on
Haydn Road
in
Nottingham
,
England
from 1919 to 1940. George Brough was a racer, designer, and showman. All Brough Superior motorcycles were high performance and superior quality. Most were custom built to the customers needs, and rarely were any two of the same configurations. Each motorcycle was assembled twice. The first assembly was for fitting of all components, then the motorcycle was disassembled, and all parts were painted or plated as needed, then the finished parts were assembled a final time. Every motorcycle was test ridden to ensure that it performed to specification and was personally certified by George Brough. The SS100 model was ridden at
100 mph
or more prior to delivery. The SS80 model was ridden at
80 mph
or more before delivery. If any motorcycle didn't meet specification, it returned to the shop for rework until it performed properly. The fit and finish was comparable to a Rolls-Royce automobile, and were among the most expensive motorcycles. Brough Superior motorcycles have always been rare and expensive. Because of their connection with Lawrence of Arabia, their high quality of fit and finish, and their reputation for reliability and race victories, they are among the most collectible motorized vehicles. SS stands for Super Sports. The SS 80 side valve machine was powered by a J.A.P. or a Matchless 1000 cc side valve v-twin engine. Approximately 1086 were manufactured from 1922 to 1940. George Brough was known for his dedication to his vehicles and customers. He, and later Albert Wallis, continued to service Brough Superiors after production ceased. Parts were made until 1969 but production of bikes never resumed after WW II.
We have more photos listed on Ebay of other motorcycle brands and types with several riders during the classic European and American (road) races.
Please check out our E-bay auctions and take advantage of our shipping discount!
This is your rare chance to own this
non period
photo that reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycle and Brough Superior history. It has a nice large format of ca. 8" x 11" (ca. 20 x 28 cm).
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.