A Rare Departure from American Roots
Orange County Choppers (OCC), founded by Paul Teutul Sr. in 1999, is renowned for its custom American motorcycles, as showcased on American Chopper. The claim of an “only import build” refers to a unique 2005 project the Brough Superior-inspired bike commissioned by talk show host Jay Leno. Unlike OCC’s typical Harley-Davidson or American V-Twin-based choppers, this build drew inspiration from the British-made Brough Superior SS100, a 1930s luxury motorcycle. The project, featured in two American Chopper episodes, was a nod to Leno’s vintage bike collection and marked a rare instance where OCC worked with a non-American design ethos, making it their only known “import” build.
Why It Happened
Jay Leno, a known motorcycle enthusiast, invited the OCC team to his garage to view his 1930 Brough Superior SS100. He requested a modern interpretation that blended classic British styling with OCC’s custom flair. The bike wasn’t powered by a Brough engine (OCC sourced a modern V-Twin, likely from an American supplier like S&S Cycle, as they never built their own engines). Instead, it incorporated aesthetic cues like the SS100’s rounded fuel tank and retro lines, paired with a custom license plate “OC3277” honoring Leno’s first Tonight Show appearance on March 2, 1977. This collaboration was a one-off, driven by Leno’s influence and the show’s need for high-profile clients, not a shift in OCC’s American-focused philosophy.
The Build Process and Challenges
Crafting the Brough-inspired bike pushed OCC’s team beyond their comfort zone. The crew, accustomed to bold, oversized choppers, had to prioritize understated elegance to echo the SS100’s refined look. The build required custom fabrication for parts like the tank and fenders, using OCC’s in-house Haas CNC machines for precision. Challenges arose in balancing Leno’s vision with OCC’s signature style—Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. debated details like chrome accents and wheel design to avoid overshadowing the vintage inspiration. The bike was unveiled on The Tonight Show, earning praise for its craftsmanship, though some fans noted it lacked the aggressive flair of OCC’s typical builds.
Debunking the Hype
The “only import build” label has sparked myths, with some assuming OCC imported a foreign engine or built an entirely non-American bike. In truth, OCC never used imported engines for this project; they relied on familiar American aftermarket suppliers, as confirmed by industry discussions. The “import” aspect is purely stylistic, tied to the British Brough Superior’s influence, not components. Claims of other import builds lack evidence OCC’s portfolio, from the Fire Bike to the Air Force Bike, consistently used American V-Twins or specialty engines like the Dixie Chopper’s lawnmower motor. The Leno bike remains an outlier, not a trend.
Legacy of the Build
The Brough Superior build showcased OCC’s versatility but didn’t change their core identity. It remains a fan favorite for its unique backstory and Leno’s involvement, highlighted in American Chopper’s third season. Like the rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, this bike is a collector’s gem in OCC’s history, proving they could step outside their chopper comfort zone. However, OCC stayed true to American muscle, with no other import-inspired builds documented. Visit orangecountychoppers.com or check Paul Sr.’s YouTube channel, Paul Sr. Unchained, for more on their current projects at the Florida Roadhouse & Museum.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Build Year | 2005 |
| Client | Jay Leno |
| Inspiration | Brough Superior SS100 (1930s British motorcycle) |
| Engine | American V-Twin (likely S&S Cycle, ~100–120 ci, ~90–100 hp) |
| Frame | Custom OCC softail-style, fabricated in-house |
| Transmission | 5- or 6-speed manual, aftermarket |
| Weight | ~600–650 lbs (estimated) |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic forks; Rear: Softail-style shocks |
| Brakes | Disc brakes, front and rear (custom aftermarket) |
| Tires | Custom wheels, ~21-inch front, 18-inch rear |
| Fuel Tank | Custom rounded tank, ~3.5–4 gallons |
| Features | Chrome accents, retro fenders, leather seat, “OC3277” license plate |
| Show Unveil | The Tonight Show with Jay Leno |
| Availability | One-off build, not for sale; viewable in Leno’s collection or show archives |