The Classic MotorCycle

Stunning price for four

by

Sam Hewitt

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17th March 2017

What is believed to be the only original/unrestored 1912 Henderson known in America, complete with original paint and tyres, sold at Mecum’s Las Vegas sale for a staggering $490,000. The in-line four, featuring a 59 cubic inch F-Head Four Cylinder engine, came out of the Doc Cleveland collection. Its unique condition, and the fact it…
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Times have changed

by

Sam Hewitt

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17th March 2017

After reading the editor’s welcome in the February edition, I had a little smile to myself how things have changed over the years. I have reached a conclusion that it is to do with age and we older riders have lost the spirit of youth and adventure this gave. In 1962, I was a 21-year-old…
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Back to the future

by

Sam Hewitt

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17th March 2017

An overhead camshaft, four-cylinder 600cc machine, in a spring frame. Launched in late 1930. The Matchless Silver Hawk really was ahead of its time. Words: JAMES ROBINSON Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN The history of motorcycling is littered with glorious failure. Admittedly, some is more glorious than others – say, perhaps, Phillip Vincent’s determination to engineer (over-engineer)…
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On trial

by

Sam Hewitt

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17th March 2017

The DMW trials model was listed for many years, but never really enjoyed much success. It’s perhaps not hard to understand why… Words: Roy Poynting Photographs: Terry Joslin Did you ever ride a DMW trials bike back in the day? I ask Sammy Miller. “No,” comes the immediate and pithy reply, “I’m just glad some…
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A brief chat with… RICHARD BOURNE

by

Sam Hewitt

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15th March 2017

Bringing someone’s memoirs to print is a huge undertaking for any author but imagine the pressure should the subject be your parent. Words and photographs: Tim Britton The task facing Richard Bourne, assisted by his brother Robert, was daunting – bringing to publication the memoir of their father, who also happened to be editor of…
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Degens at South of England show

by

Sam Hewitt

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12th March 2017

Dave Degens of Dresda Triton is guest of honour at the South of England Classic Show & Bikejumble on April 2. Dave will be bringing his rare 1958 Matchless G45 to the South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex. Although never overly successful, only 200 were made of this 500cc triple-valve-spring twin. You can listen…
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Hitchcocks purchases Enfield history

by

Sam Hewitt

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12th March 2017

In 1967, when the Royal Enfield factory in Redditch closed, the Enfield Cycle Company Ltd was purchased by Norton Villiers Ltd. Norton Villiers contracted Enfield Precision Engineers to carry on production of the Royal Enfield Interceptor. Enfield Precision Engineers had been producing virtually all the postwar Royal Enfield twin engines from the early 1950s and…
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Sporting Sparkle

by

Sam Hewitt

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11th March 2017

Panther wanted a range-topper for its pre-Second World War line-up, and came up with this half-litre contender. Words and photographs: Phillip Tooth Finances must have been tight in 1937 for Phelon & Moore Ltd of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, because the makers of Panther motorcycles couldn’t afford a stand at the biggest event of the year –…
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DOG ROGER*: *D.R.”, or Dispatch Rider, in the phonetic alphabet of the Second World War.

by

Sam Hewitt

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11th March 2017

A two-part look at the role of Britain’s service motorcyclists, both men and women, in the harsh days of the Second World War. Words: Steve Wilson Photographs: Mortons Archive If the First World War saw the dawn of mechanised warfare, the Second World War, with its blitzkriegs, massive tank battles on the Russian steppes, and…
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Bonhams in Vegas

by

Sam Hewitt

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3rd March 2017

The rare 1914 Feilbach 10hp Limited, pictured, was the stand-out lot in Bonhams’ Vegas auction, selling for $195,000, which equates to £156,000. The rare 1130cc twin had been assembled after the company closed, and was the personal property of Charles Feilbach, son of the company founder. Other interesting prices included $150,000 for a Vincent Black Knight…
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