Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust - On this Day (February) On 2 February 1923 two Brough Superior SS80 motorbikes were delivered to Swallow so they could attach Sidecars for the 1923 Motor Cycle Show in London. The Model 4 Super Sports sidecar was the most popular of all the sidecars produced by the company during the Blackpool years. The pointed tail was unique to the Model 4 but like the earlier Model 2, was made from aluminium panels on an ash frame. Weight was kept down to about 80 lbs, which William Lyons thought was important, as many of their competitor’s sidecars were too heavy for the motorbikes of the day. Both Walmsley and Lyons were keen motorcyclists in their youth and owned a variety of machines, but the Brough Superior was their favourite. A Brough, originally owned by Lyons, is reported to be still in existence. These bikes, often known as ‘the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles’, were the products of George Brough of Nottingham.
.
William Walmsley on SS80 Brough Superior motorcycle, and William Lyons in the Swallow side car. King Edward Avenue, Blackpool 1923.
On 8 February 1985 Sir William Lyons died at his home (Wappenbury Hall) aged 83. His wife Greta, Lady Lyons, died the following year.
PAGE 26
THE OFFICIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE JAGUAR DRIVERS CLUB OF SA
