Pendine Sands is one of the most evocative names in the annals of British motorcycle history. In the 1920s the seven-mile (11 km) beach on the south coast of Wales hosted the Welsh TT races and no less than five successful land speed record attempts.
A few days ago, the beach was abuzz once more with the sound of engines. It was the occasion of the revitalized Pendine Speed Trials, and one of the most interesting vehicles there was this ‘new’ Brough Superior SS101 ‘Pendine’.
A British businessman called Mark Upham—who is based in Austria—now owns the rights to the Brough Superior name. And he’s aiming to revitalise the brand. Upham took this ‘Pendine’ model to the Speed Trials that inspired its name, with a British TV crew in tow. The bike was ridden by Eric Patterson, himself a land speed record holder at the BUB Speed Trials at Bonneville Salt Flats.
The market for hand-built motorcycles like this is tiny, and current Brough Superior production is even tinier. But it’s refreshing to see the bikes being made again, and to quality standards that honor the traditional “Rolls Royce of motorcycles” nickname.
Price and availability aside, I’d say this is one of the most desirable motorcycles in the world.
