Sam Hewitt

  • In celebration of speedway

    In celebration of speedway

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    It is generally accepted that February 19, 1928, is the date when the inaugural meeting of oval track racing in this country took place, behind the hotel at High Beech in Epping Forest. The big ‘sell’ was the new Australian import (‘Dirt Track Racing’) enabled spectators to see an entire event from one vantage point.…

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  • Easter extravaganza

    Easter extravaganza

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    The BSA Owners’ Club display managed a line-up of prewar Small Heath examples. East Kent has a lively classic transport scene, but with restorers not always keen to travel miles west, the Ashford Cattle Market site offers a relatively local chance for an opportunity in the limelight. Weather warnings of a biblical deluge for Easter…

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  • Triumph Thunderbird

    Triumph Thunderbird

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    Six-figure Triumph With four owners from new, this 1957 Thunderbird twin has a documented distance covered of over 100,000 miles. And it’s still a joy to ride. Words: ANDY WESTLAKE Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN To many enthusiasts, the name of the Triumph Thunderbird will always be associated along with that of Marlon Brando and his character…

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  • Walton brothers one-two in DJ Rally

    Walton brothers one-two in DJ Rally

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    Walton brothers Gavin and Kevin, from the East Rand, proved the dominant force in the 2018 DJ regularity rally for classic motorcycles. They took the first two places out of an original entry of 103 in this annual event in South Africa which takes competitors on a two-day route from Durban to Johannesburg. This was…

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  • ASTE BOLAFFI’S FIRST CLASSIC CARS AND MOTOR VEHICLES AUCTION ON MAY 23RD AT LA PISTA DI ARESE (MILAN)

    ASTE BOLAFFI’S FIRST CLASSIC CARS AND MOTOR VEHICLES AUCTION ON MAY 23RD AT LA PISTA DI ARESE (MILAN)

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    Among the highlights there are a 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24s Spider, the Alfa Romeo 8c Pandion 2010, and the Bertone Nuccio 2012 For its first Classic Cars and Motor Vehicles Auction, scheduled for May 23rd at “La Pista di Arese” (Milan), Aste Bolaffi will present some of the most iconic vintage cars, with models that range from the…

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  • AJS R8

    AJS R8

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    Inclined to success Drawing on track experience and research, AJS offered a much improved range for 1930. It was just a shame it came too late for the firm. Words: TIM BRITTON Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN If ever a case needed to be made for ‘racing improving the breed’ then the AJS range for 1930 could be…

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  • Editor’s welcome

    Editor’s welcome

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    It’s sometimes a bit difficult to explain to people why we enjoy riding old motorcycles – and why we consider some to be much nicer or ‘better’ to ride that others when, surely, anything modern should trump our oldies every time? It’s because the riding experience is so different, which, I think, is why over…

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  • June 2018

    June 2018

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    Archive photograph • News • Pioneer Run • Letters • Sunbeam S7 • AJS R8 • Triumph Thunderbird • BSA M20 • Nimbus Four • Panther 45 • NMM riding day • Closer look –  Kaye Don and Ambassador • Rex Caunt interview • Men who mattered – Eric Oliver • Triumph 5TA rebuild • Roy Poynting column • Jerry Thurston column • Sketchbook travels • You were asking • Restoration guide…

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  • Commandos in the spotlight

    Commandos in the spotlight

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    ELK Promotions ended last year’s season with a celebration of 100 years of Norton. The same marque heralded the new season, at Ardingly on March 25, but this time the spotlight was reserved for the Commando, half a century after its introduction. A colourful line-up of various examples turned back the years. Amongst show regulars…

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  • Royal Enfield Bullet trials

    Royal Enfield Bullet trials

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    There was a raft of famous trials ‘partnerships’ in the heyday of the 1950s. That between Johnny Brittain and HNP 331 was one of the most successful. Words: RACHAEL CLEGG Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN/MORTONS ARCHIVE Behind three letters and three numbers – HNP 331 – lies the story of one of the most important trials machines…

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