Features

Hampshireman Jim Devereux is well known both as an arch-Ariel enthusiast and for his immaculate restorations, several of which – including his ultra-rare four-valve Sloper (TCM February 2014) – have appeared in these pages. Jim’s latest Ariel was bought ready-restored though, and with the logic understood by all enthusiasts, he explains that: “Its restorer lives…

Continue reading »

Triumph’s duplex-framed 650cc range is the pinnacle of pre-unit development and the Bonnie is right at the top. Words: Tim Britton Photographs: Gary Chapman So there you are, outside washing the bike off after a run out and a passer-by stops, admires the machine and says: “I’ve got an old bike like that…” It’s a…

Continue reading »

Most of us can remember approximately when we bought a particular motorbike, although the memory tends to become vague after a while, and can be totally lost as the years roll on. But you might well be surprised to hear Ian Thorogood confidently say: “Oh yes, I bought it at 2.30pm on Saturday May 24,…

Continue reading »

Horsepower: (1) An imperial unit of power equal to 550 foot-pounds per second (2) the Royal Automobile Club measurement for tax purposes calculated from the diameter of the bore and the number of cylinders in a engine (3) A rally for pre-1920 motorcycles that has been running for 36 years. Rondom Gees: A random ride…

Continue reading »

There’s a theory expounded that in any event report, if the writer mentions the weather then they’re struggling for things to say. Of course, that’s not the case about the VMCC’s Banbury Run, but fact of the matter is, it’s not possible to report on the event, on June 18, without commenting on the scorching…

Continue reading »

Words: Phil Turner Photographs: Gary Chapman Alongside fast, lithe, racing thoroughbreds, Moto Guzzi could turn its hand to more utilitarian two-wheelers when needed. The Superalce was one of the finest. As the dark clouds of conflict drew in across Europe for the second time, Moto Guzzi – like most established motorcycle manufacturers – would have to…

Continue reading »

Words: Steve Wilson Photographs: Gary Chapman In 1951, when Wiltshireman Cyril Griffin was called up for National Service, he bought a 1950 Triumph Speed Twin for trips home on leave weekends. Being stationed at Epsom with the Experimental Mobile Column, an early part of the Civil Defence organisation, meant a 160-mile round trip. The sprung hub…

Continue reading »

Test of skill – and nerve – during two-wheeled competition at Brands Hatch, Kent. Photograph: MORTONS ARCHIVE During the August 1963 contest to find RoSPA’s (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) motorcyclist of the year, M Swift balances his 600cc AJS twin on the start-finish straight at Brands Hatch. Alas, Mr Swift wasn’t among…

Continue reading »

While there are many rude nicknames for the Wal Phillips injector, they aren’t for the pages of TCM… but a description of the device is because it’s an important part of our history. Words: Richard Rosenthal Photographs: Mortons Archive Born in Tottenham, north London, in 1908, Wal Phillips (d.1998) is today best remembered for his fuel…

Continue reading »