Feature Articles
Straight from the plate: The 1951 ACU National rally
3 February 2012
After a decade’s absence, the ACU National rally reappeared for 1951, attracting an impressive 1100 strong entry. Riders came from all around the British Isles to converge on Billing Aquadrome, near Northampton, where a varied programme of events and entertainments was staged.
Honeymoon transport - Matchless G3LS
3 February 2012.
The 350cc G3LS from AMC’s stable may be considered somewhat ordinary by some, though in reality it is a capable, charming motorcycle. This one has the added gloss of a fascinating tale.
Classic camera - Speedy Gonzales, Thruxton 500
3 February 2012.
Partnered by Ken Martin in a team from the Bultaco Concessionaires, Francisco Gonzales pilots their 196cc Bultaco Metralla during a storming performance to win the 250cc class of the 1963 Thruxton 500.
Straight from the plate: The Belgian GP, Spa Francorchamps 1933
6 January 2012.
Norton’s superstar quartet – Stanley Woods, Tim Hunt, Jimmies Simpson and Guthrie – bagged the top two places in both the 500cc and 350cc classes of the 1933 Belgian GP, although the results don’t really give a true picture;...
Chirpy, chirpy, cheap, cheap...
6 January 2012.
A reborn Bantam, built on a budget and combining elements of Bushman, Sports, D1... and the Great Escape.
Classic camera - Record breaking, April 1969
6 January 2012.
In the early part of 1969, BSA’s East Coast boss Don Brown hit upon a plan to publicise the new BSA Rocket 3 in the USA. He approached AMA president Bill Berry and asked if he could take one of the new triples to the famous Daytona Speedway; Berry went along with the plan.
Classic Camera - Horsman’s Garelli special, April 1964
2 December 2011.
Liverpool dealer Victor Horsman Ltd, (specifically the company’s Eric Cheers) took Italian concern Garelli’s humble 94cc two-stroke single and set about giving it some more oomph.
Glamour puss
2 December 2011.
The 500cc Tiger 100 vied with the 650cc Thunderbird for top spot in Triumph’s 1952 range; but riders who wanted a true sportster would have gone for the smaller model.
Straight from the plate: Lancashire Grand National, 1956
2 December 2011.
Such was BSA’s pleasure with the firm’s dominant performance at the 1956 Lancashire Grand National, at Cuerden Park near Preston, the men from Small Heath took a full page advert in Motor Cycling.
Straight from the plate - The 1925 Sidecar TT
4 November 2011.
Run immediately after the Lightweight race, apparently, according to Motor Cycling of June 24, 1925: “The organisation works perfectly and Tucker, last year’s winner, pushes off his Norton just as Prentice on a P and P, the last of the lightweight riders, crosses the finishing line.”
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