Features

  • The German Grand Prix: Not as expected

    The German Grand Prix: Not as expected

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    When John Surtees fractured his arm in the 350cc event, thus ruling him out of any further racing, the 500cc GP event was thrown wide open. Even then there was no guarantee who would scoop the top spot. Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH Photography: MORTONS ARCHIVE The German Grand Prix of 1956 took place at Solitude near…

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  • A brief chat with… Henry Cole

    A brief chat with… Henry Cole

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    Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH Photography: WORLD’S GREATEST MOTORCYCLE RIDES Henry Cole’s television programmes about travelling the world form the cornerstone of the audio-visual diet of those afflicted with wanderlust. Spending up to five weeks at a time riding one of his bikes through a new country, Henry spends a huge portion of his life on the…

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  • From the archive: In Ixion’s wheeltracks

    From the archive: In Ixion’s wheeltracks

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    It was 110 years ago when a well-known motorcycling name undertook a feat of endurance on a Triumph.A group of enthusiasts felt it had to be recognised… Words: Nick Jonckheere Photography: John Mijatovic In 1905, the motorcycling world was having a few issues as the public began to have doubts about whether motorcycles were practical,…

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  • Superb Single: Vincent Comet

    Superb Single: Vincent Comet

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    “High performance single with magnificent roadholding, steering and brakes,” was the way The MotorCycle described the Vincent Comet when they tested it in 1950.

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  • From the archive: Crystal Palace Grand Prix

    From the archive: Crystal Palace Grand Prix

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    A bounty of thrills at Crystal Palace: A 10,000-strong crowd turned up to watch the racing on Sydenham’s mile-long circuit in May 1927, and they were treated to some fine displays of skilful riding from the entrants. Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH Photography: MORTONS MEDIA ARCHIVE The remarkable turnout made for a fantastic start to the day’s…

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  • from the archive: Classic camera – Earls Court: The boss and the Baron at Earls Court

    from the archive: Classic camera – Earls Court: The boss and the Baron at Earls Court

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    Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH The Earls Court show that took place in November 1962 was a particularly exciting occasion for the Triumph contingent, as it was the first public exposure of their brand new Trophy model which, for the first time, would be available with a unit-construction engine and gearbox. Here we see John Moore-Brabazon, First…

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  • Trio of Brough Superiors, right? Wrong.

    Trio of Brough Superiors, right? Wrong.

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    Photo: Mortons Archive  Three big V-twins, featuring plated petrol tanks and even at a glance a fine specification, with speedometers and lighting sets apparent. Brough Superiors, right? Wrong… At a glance – and to be fair, even a reasonably sustained look – for all intents and purposes, this is a trio of Brough Superiors, posed…

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  • From the archive: 1960 Motocross: Black clouds and sunshine

    From the archive: 1960 Motocross: Black clouds and sunshine

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    Despite the gloomy start, 1960 was to be a good year for British scrambling. Established star Jeff Smith took the 500cc British Championship trophy, adding to his 1955 and 1956 awards, while new boy Dave Bickers scooped both the British and European 250cc crowns. Words: Richard Rosenthal Photography: Mortons Media Group Archive Each branch of…

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  • Can you help find this wedding BSA Shooting Star?

    Can you help find this wedding BSA Shooting Star?

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    Classic Bike Guide reader John King is trying to track down his old BSA for a romantic reunification. Could you help him? John writes: “I’m hoping for readers’ help. In 1960, I bought a BSA A7 Shooting Star and later that year my fiancé and I were married, on July 23, 1960, in Chester. Following the…

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  • From the archive: Belgian GP 1962 – Bob Mac strikes gold

    From the archive: Belgian GP 1962 – Bob Mac strikes gold

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    After a recent run of back luck, Bob McIntyre got his Grand Prix season back on track with a stunning win in Belgium, with Mike Hailwood, Ernst Degner, Jim Redman and Florian Camathias also scooping up some big wins. Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH Photography: MORTONS MEDIA ARCHIVE The threatening rainclouds that had lurked overhead during the…

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