Features

We’ve delved into the illustrious Mortons Archive to give you a glimpse into the use of Triumph and Norton motorcycles in the Second World War.

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Coach painting is one of the oldest forms of vehicle finishing and is still favoured by many steam enthusiasts, canal boat dwellers, carriage drivers and the occasional motorcyclist. Although DIY painting has become more difficult for the restorer for myriad reasons, including safety, it is still possible to achieve a wonderful, lustrous finish. Words and…

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He was known as Sir Tyrell, in a light-hearted recognition of his elevated social background. Words: ADAM REAR HG (Henry George) Tyrell Smith was born at Blackrock, Dublin, in 1907. His father was a keen motorcyclist and passed that passion to Tyrell (who was always known thus). From a young age, Tyrell was fascinated by…

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The old motorcycle scene in general is a club of sorts and ‘club’ members help each other out if they can. Words and photographs: Tim Britton It’s a fair bet anyone reading this has moved house/workshop a time or two. You know the drill – stuff is packed in boxes, and what’s in the box…

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An oft-used and overused term in motorcycle sport is ‘all-rounder.’ However, it does fit Ronald John Langston quite well – and in his case, it could be prefixed with ‘successful’ too. Words: TIM BRITTON Photographs: TIM BRITTON AND MORTONS ARCHIVE For someone so associated with Gloucestershire, it was a surprise to learn Ron Langston was…

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Using an AMC twin as transport – and a place on which to lean! Photograph: MORTONS ARCHIVE From the early days of motorcycling, right through to the 1970s, the artist was an important part of the press process, but rarely do we get to see the men behind the work, which makes this an interesting…

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Mystery JAP motor Chatting to Oz Ellison (one of our much younger enthusiasts) at Founders’ Day this year, the conversation drifted to a 250cc ohv JAP engine, which, along with a carburettor, BTH racing magneto and a four-speed Albion gearbox, was literally thrust on him two years ago. An older neighbour was selling up and…

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The small Paton concern punched well above its weight in 1960s GP racing. And it still regularly enjoys that successful feeling today, with John McGuinness pictured here on his way to winning this year’s Classic Senior TT. Words: Rachael Clegg Photographs: Steve Babb and Mortons Archive It’s almost impossible to miss a Paton racing past…

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Bought new by its current owner in 1963, this DOT Demon still provides its owner with sterling service and fun aplenty. Words: ANDY WESTLAKE Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN Mention the name ‘DOT’ to any classic off-road motorcycle enthusiast and they will be instantly taken back to that golden era of off-road sport in the late 1950s…

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