BRITISH at its Best

THIS SUMMER WILL mark the first ever all British exhibition at the Audrain Automobile Museum — “BRITISH at its Best: Cars & Motorcycles from the Audrain Collections,” on view May 16 through September 13, 2026. We will highlight vehicles from the Audrain Collections and bring in a few loans from Museum members and local collectors to round out a great selection of vehicles.

The history of British automobiles is a story certainly worth telling. That of craftsmanship, engineering ambition, and a blend of tradition and innovation. From the interwar years, when hand- built luxury defined national pride, through the refined grand tourers of the 1960s, Britain carved out a distinct identity around the world. Rather than mass production alone, British manufacturers emphasized elegance, mechanical sophistication (aka personality!), and vehicles that reflected both social status and sporting spirit.

My father had a quiet passion for British cars and motorcycles. I suppose because they were more exotic and interesting to him than familiar Italian or other European automobiles. His daily driver was a 1964 Jaguar Mk2 3.8, which he had picked up at the factory, touring England and Ireland, before having the car shipped back to Pennsylvania. “Drive it around the block and it needs a tuneup!”, he would say with a smile, any excuse to tinker on cars or Triumph motorbikes and scramblers. A rusty 1961 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite became a project car, which we crudely welded the doors shut to stiffen the body, installed a rollbar, and set up the motor and drivetrain to run the SCCA Duryea Hillclimb.

Exhibit highlights

Being involved with the eighty British cars and motorcycles in the Audrain Collections has certainly helped bring back memories from my youth and sparked an interest in other British brands. Three early favorites that will be in the exhibition come to mind:

A 1929 Rolls-Royce exemplifies an era of excellence. Fresh from an extensive restoration by Automotive Restorations in Stratford, Conn., this Springfield-built Phantom I Brewster Ascot Phaeton placed First in Class at the 2025 Pebble Concours d’Elegance.

One of just 21 Ascot Phaetons produced, it included polished aluminum beltlines, 21-inch wire wheels, and roll-up windows.

Alongside luxury cars, Britain also played a crucial role in the development of high performance motorcycles. Motorcycling was both a practical means of transport and a proving ground for engineering skills, especially between the wars. British motorcycles dominated racing and speed records, fostering a culture of performance that paralleled developments in sports cars.

The Brough Superior 100 SS motorcycle was introduced in the mid-1920s by British manufacturer Brough Superior, founded by George Brough in Nottingham. Conceived as the ultimate high-performance motorcycle, the 100SS — short for “100 Super Sport” — was designed to be the fastest and most exclusive machine of its time, setting speed records. Unlike mass-produced motorcycles, each Brough Superior was largely hand- built and individually tested, reflecting George Brough’s ambition to create a motorbike that matched the quality and prestige of high-end automobiles.

What set the 100SS apart was its performance. Every example was guaranteed to exceed 100 miles per hour, an extraordinary claim in an era when most motorcycles struggled to reach half that speed. This was achieved through the use of powerful V-twin engines supplied by manufacturers such as JAP or Matchless, housed in a lightweight yet robust frame. Advanced components, including high-quality carburetors, alloy parts, and carefully selected gearing, contributed to both speed and reliability.

In period, Broughs were advertised with Rolls Royce’s approval as “The Rolls-Royce of Motor Cycles,” a title that reflected its combination of luxury, engineering precision, and exclusivity. Its fame was further enhanced by its association with T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), who owned several Brough Superiors and praised their performance — though he was tragically killed while riding one in 1935.

Jay Leno, the preeminent collector of Broughs, connected the Audrain with a gentleman in his 90s wanting to find a good home for his beloved Brough SS 100 Alpine Grand Sports. A quick trip to Ohio for a test ride, and a done deal, making it the first important early motorcycle in the Audrain Collections. We have since acquired three Brough SS80s, some of the most spectacular machines ever built.

After World War II, Britain’s automotive industry faced economic hardship but responded with creativity and technical daring. Export markets became vital, and manufacturers increasingly emphasized sports cars that combined performance with everyday usability. This period marked a shift from purely aristocratic luxury toward accessible performance and international competition.

A 1952 Jaguar XK120M Fixed Head Coupe acquired from the Begovich Collection illustrates this transformation. Based on the XK120 sports car — the beginning of the legendary XK DOHC inline 6-cylinder engine — the “M” specification denoted performance modifications that made it competitive on road and track alike. Historically, the XK120 series redefined Britain’s image abroad, proving that a relatively affordable British car could outperform many European.

By the late 1950s and early 1960s, British automobiles entered a golden age of grand touring. Cars were expected to deliver speed, comfort, and style in equal measure, capable of crossing continents at high speed. This philosophy blended racing-derived engineering with luxury interiors, appealing to clientele around the world.

More brands will be on display in this upcoming 4-month exhibition, including examples from Aston Martin, Austin-Healey, Bentley, Lotus, McLaren, MG, Triumph, and more. Be sure to travel to Newport this summer to take in the show and follow the Museum on social media!

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