Brough-Superior 3.5 Litre Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Brough-Superior 3.5 Litre

Brough-Superior is primarily renowned for its outstanding motorcycles, often referred to as “The Rolls-Royce of motorcycles.” However, between 1935 and 1939, the company ventured briefly into automobile manufacture. Around 80 to 90 Brough-Superior cars left the Nottingham works, marked by their engineering quality and exclusive clientele. Today, only about 30 to 40 examples are known to exist, underlining the specially rare status of these vehicles. The 3.5 Litre, the company’s central model, aimed to compete in the league of British luxury marques, focusing on unparalleled craftsmanship and performance.

Model History

The story of the Brough-Superior 3.5 Litre is defined by exclusivity and short production span. With less than a hundred units produced and only a fraction surviving, the 3.5 Litre stands apart from contemporary series production models. There was no true predecessor within Brough-Superior’s own line, as it was the firm’s only foray into the world of high-end automobiles. Its production ceased with the advent of World War II, leaving behind a singular model series without a successor.

Highlights and Unique Features

The Brough-Superior 3.5 Litre sets itself apart through a combination of technical and luxury features: a 3.5-litre, 6-cylinder engine delivering between 101 and 110 hp, configurable as drophead coupé (convertible) or sedan. The interior features leather seats with matching carpets and leather piping. Owners often restore these to the original recommendation: an all-black exterior. Detailed technical documentation and literature support careful maintenance or restoration. In comparison to other Brough-Superior vehicles, the 3.5 Litre enjoys a 100% share in both supply and demand datasets for its make and model series in the current market, underscoring its singular status within Brough-Superior’s car production.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Each Brough-Superior 3.5 Litre was, in effect, a special edition due to extremely limited production and hand-built character. No sub-series or official limited editions were identified during its production run, as exclusivity and bespoke construction defined every example.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The 3.5 Litre’s inline six-cylinder engine delivers a power output rated between 101 and 110 PS, more than adequate for its period and still competent in today’s traffic. The manual four-speed transmission rewards attentive driving, and the chassis construction—while not avant-garde—offers stability and comfort suitable to luxury standards of its day. Maintenance literature and workshop manuals facilitate ongoing preservation for owners interested in the technical underpinnings of the model. There is only one major Brough-Superior automobile model—the 3.5 Litre—in the market. Notable examples include meticulously restored drophead coupés with historically correct all-black exterior and full leather interiors, which represent the best of what this model series offers.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Stylistically, the 3.5 Litre embraces British luxury cues with its restrained, elegant lines. The recommended all-black paint scheme maintains historic authenticity and visual impact. Interiors feature quality leather seating with marquetry, carpeted flooring with leather piping, and classic British dashboard layouts. Convertibles and sedans both share attention to subtle luxury. No explicit mention of unique accessories or trim packages, but individual restoration choices can add period-appropriate extras including toolkits, motoring accessories, and bespoke touches consistent with the original build ethos.

Other Notable Features

Extensive documentation, workshop manuals, and literature on the Brough-Superior 3.5 Litre are available, making this car appealing for collectors focused on authenticity and accurate restoration. Comparisons to models from contemporaries such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Jaguar place it firmly in the context of exclusive British luxury motoring history.

Summary

With a production run of just around 85 units and 30–40 believed to remain today, the Brough-Superior 3.5 Litre ranks among the rarest British luxury cars of the pre-war era. Its 3.5-litre straight-six, high-grade materials, and exclusive status define it as an outlier even among established marques. For collectors seeking the combination of technical intrigue, craftsmanship, and authentic British luxury pedigree, the 3.5 Litre is a distinctive proposition.