Autocar magazine began publishing his work in 1930 and other titles such as Speed & the Motor and Road & Track followed suit. He began drawing for Punch in 1939 and his career was in full flight. However, the Second World War briefly interrupted his progression and aged 30 he became a naval lieutenant serving on the northern convoys and later with the British Pacific Fleet. After the war, he became Art Editor of Punch in 1949. “Brock’s reputation was established as one of the finest illustrators – I refuse to call him a cartoonist – in the motoring world. When Brockbank drew a Blower Bentley, you knew it was a Blower Bentley. And when he drew a Bugatti, you knew if it was a Type 35, 51 or 57." There was no doubt, this ability - a result of thorough research and dedication to his craft - endeared him to motoring enthusiasts throughout the world.
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History Dean Batchelor, writing in 'Road & Track' A man of charm, wit, great knowledge and an endless interest in things going on around him. He knew the good restaurants of England and the Continent, and what to order in each. He read the wine lists as though he had helped prepare them. Travel with Brockbank was a gourmet's delight. And he knew people, which is a large part of the reason for his successful career as an artist. His powers of observation were superb, which also helped produce good captions for his illustrations. How many readers remember Major Upsett reading the newspaper headlined 'Fog in Channel, Continent Isolated?' Peter Robinson, writing in 'Autocar & Motor' (May 1990) wrote: Brock was unquestionably the consummate motoring cartoonist for three decades. His work, consistently published in the world's best motoring magazines, was so international in its appeal that it seldom required translation. |
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Despite his talent, Brockbank still had to struggle commercially for his art. He originally worked in the family business before becoming a professional artist aged 24. 
In addition to the humour in Brock’s work, there also manifests an incredible attention to technical detail. Dean Batchelor, writing in 1979 commented,