From the Archive Archives - The Classic Motorcycle

A look at the 1961 TT

13th October 2020 Sam Hewitt Features, From the Archive

In 1961 Mike ‘the Bike’ Hailwood became the first competitor in the history of the Isle of Man TT to win three races in a week. Hailwood’s wins in the 125cc Lightweight and 250cc Lightweight

The need to diversify

6th October 2020 Sam Hewitt Features, From the Archive

Though his primary interest was producing high-quality performance machines, Philip Vincent was keen to look at other opportunities too. Words: ROY POYNTING Photography: TERRY JOSLIN It’s tempting to think Philip Vincent was an impractical dreamer

Replicas, specials, fakes and forgeries

22nd September 2020 Sam Hewitt Features, From the Archive

The seamy world of fakes, replicas and specials is one which can be navigated when armed with an understanding of what constitutes those terms, as well as a bit of nous to ensure you’re not

Cowboys & Indians

15th September 2020 Sam Hewitt Features, From the Archive

When it first arrived in 1934, the Indian Sport Scout divided opinion. There were those who were so enamoured by the earlier 101 Scout model that nothing could compare, and there were those that readily

Spiritual homage

10th September 2020 Sam Hewitt Features, From the Archive

With lots of late 1960s and 1970s BMWs ending up as café racers this more authentic take, paying tribute to the beautiful Rennsport, makes a refreshing change. Words and photography: IAN KERR In 2014, Michael

Coventry Eagle: Flying machine

1st September 2020 Sam Hewitt Features, From the Archive

There are few motorcycles which are in an elevated class, separated from the vast majority of their peers. This, though, is one of them. Words: JAMES ROBINSONPhotography: GARY CHAPMAN During the 1920s, the bosses of

Bracebridge Street bonanza

25th August 2020 Sam Hewitt Features, From the Archive

There was a definite Birmingham accent in the motorcycling halls at this year’s Race Retro event at Stoneleigh. Words and photography: ALAN TURNER This year, Norton was the main theme for the motorcycling element of

Terrific Telford

18th August 2020 Sam Hewitt Features, From the Archive

The Classic Dirt Bike Show, sponsored by Hagon Shocks, again proved its value to the classic community as thousands gathered at Telford’s International Centre to peruse the event’s enthralling assortment of attractions. Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH

A social history of motorcycling: The Golden Era (1925-1946) – Episode 2

11th August 2020 Sam Hewitt Features, From the Archive

In this second extract from his forthcoming book, Mike Lewis looks at the evolution of social motorcycling in Britain and the USA. Words: MIKE LEWIS Photography: MORTONS ARCHIVE By 1925 in America, a brand new

Touring beautiful Brittany

7th August 2020 Sam Hewitt Features, From the Archive

Touring holidays can be memorable for reasons both pleasant and decidedly unpleasant, though Mary Adams and husband Huw had a fantastic time in Brittany thanks to Roger and Linda Nicholls of Countryside Holidays in France.