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Hills Brothers
I’ve just read with interest the Bristol Show report in April’s issue, Henry Body’s Hills Brothers motorcycle in particular.
The one which took part in the VMCC Ltd Banbury Run was my ‘HB’ which I have owned for 35 years. I am no expert, just an enthusiast.
My question is: Is a ‘HB’ and a ‘Hills Brothers’ the same company? Henry’s tank clearly says ‘Hills’ whereas my (original) tanks bears HB in black with red and gold artwork. I have photocopies of catalogues with various family photos of HBs.
Perhaps Mortons’ Archive can confirm that Hills was revamped to HB as production was improved. Mine, like Henry’s, has a 350cc sidevalve Blackburne engine.
Dave Cox, email.
Research leads me to believe Hills Brothers, who made your HB motorcycle, also marketed their products as ‘Hill’ (as Henry Body’s 1920 machine), ‘Hills Brothers’ and ‘HB Motors Ltd.’ This wasn’t uncommon practice in the period, especially by makers who employed agents in big cities such as London and/or were hoping to export machines.
This situation occurred through until at least the 1970s, especially for the American, Australian and New Zealand markets and even by Volkswagon, who sold their Golf in some US markets as the ‘Rabbit.’
History for the Hills Brothers motorcycle manufacturing exploits is hazy, but certainly they were involved in other forms of engineering before they began motorcycle
