Features

Maudes Trophy References to the Maudes Trophy in TCM has recently prompted a number of you to ask where the trophy is, with Mr G Keys asking has any maker won the trophy since Suzuki in 1974. And if so, what were the details? As many have recorded, George Pettyt, the owner of Maudes Motor…

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Hub centre steering production models For the past three months, two hub centre steering questions have been lurking on the YWA computer desktop, waiting for inspiration, or maybe intervention. Both readers have had their queries answered directly as both wanted to remain anonymous – they were both considering buying a vintage Neracar and were after…

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It seemed such a simple thing – throw a few Triumph parts together and go ride it somewhere… Words: Tim Britton Photographs: Tim Britton and Fiona Watson Despite the occasional setback, progress is being made on the Triumph, the project being a ‘real world’ type of rebuild and not one done with a vast pile…

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The life and times of a BSA apprentice who became an engine builder… and also did some sidecar passengering. Words: Tim Britton Photographs: Colin Washbourne/Mortons Archive How many young lads went in through BSA’s doors to begin an apprenticeship with the engineering giant? There must have been a goodly number and it seems like a…

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Motor Cycling’s headline for the 1959 SSDT read ‘Golden Jubilee Scottish’. Anniversaries apart, it was a significant year, with a lightweight recording afirst win for an under 340cc machine and the entry of three scooters. Words: Richard Rosenthal Photographs: Mortons Archive SSDT landmarks From the first Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) – well, actually, five…

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A museum-worthy collection of ex-trials machines is to be auctioned by Bonhams at the April Stafford sale. Here’s the story behind this knobbly-tyred assembly and the remarkable man who put it all together. Words: Rachael Clegg Photographs: Gary Chapman Gail Bristow didn’t have a clue who Bud Ekins was when she first met him more…

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The tricycle was the first lightweight motorised vehicle developed for daily use.A new book covers its fascinating first seven years. Words and photographs: Michael Edwards When Georges Bouton introduced his half horsepower motorised tricycle to the crowds gathered at the Horseless Carriage Exhibition in Tunbridge Wells in October 1895, a great many of the forward…

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Velocette’s LE was never going to win any beauty contests. But once sorted, this unique, high specification lightweight had much to offer. Words: STEVE WILSON Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN Following his ‘Most Original’ award at Stafford for his RE Model G (see TCM, December 2017), Alex Taylor suggested that I have a go on his regular…

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An A65, BSA’s unit construction 650cc twin, proves an ideal choice for touring in the beautiful south-west of France. Well, it does after a few modifications… I’ve made many trips to France but had never been to the Dordogne before. The region lies in south-west France between the wild uplands of the Massif Central in…

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The first instalment of a two-part story detailing the life and times of Tom Arter – racer, enthusiast, sponsor and supporter. Words: ALAN TURNERPhotographs: ALAN TURNER/MORTONS ARCHIVE There are many motorcyclists with workshop skills. Some of them seem able to solve any problem that an errant combustion engine might possibly throw at them. But the…

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