The Classic MotorCycle May 2022

What’s your favourite motorcycle? And why? I think about this quite a lot, mainly because I now realise I have far too many machines, while don’t have the financial wherewithal to justify such extravagance, so need to sell something. A recent and somewhat unexpected purchase – you’ll get to read more about that in a later issue – meant I have fulfilled another of my ‘dreams,’ with ownership of a true thoroughbred and what I consider to be about the best of its type. And, no, for once, it’s not a Sunbeam. Or even a Velocette. Thing is, the new addition brings up the number of similar motorcycles in my possession and care (there’s some long stories involved) by yet another one, forcing me to ask ‘do I really need…

This rather remarkable action picture is taken from the June 19, 1924 edition of The Motor Cycle, the original caption reading thus: “One of the Rene Gillet drivers, whose passenger had a strenuous 24 hours.” Yes, 24 hours – as the event in which the combination was taking part in was the Bol d’Or 24-hour race, held at Whitsuntide, on a road circuit (‘Circuit des Loges’) in the forest of St Germain, near Paris. The rider is Henriet, passenger unknown, though they finished third in their class, for 1000cc sidecars. Both Motor Cycling and The Motor Cycle carried coverage of the event – with each leading their reports on the news that, in a sea of French, Belgian and Swiss motorcycles, it was a British-made Sunbeam, an early 493cc overhead…

The International Classic Motorcycle Show at Stafford County Showground on April 23/24 will celebrate the life of arguably the world’s greatest-ever motorcycle racer. In a world exclusive curated exhibition, Mike Hailwood’s son David is bringing together and showing some of the incredible, personal artefacts held in the Hailwood family archive, most of which have never been seen before, outside of the family home, in decades. In support of an official new Hailwood book launching at the show, items on display will include the George Medal awarded to Hailwood for bravery when he rescued fellow F1 driver Clay Regazzoni from his burning BRM at the South African GP; Dunlop cap worn by Mike on the podium after he won the 1978 Formula One TT; scale replica Manx Norton built by Norton…

GOOD NIGHT OUT This year, Bucks British & Classic MCC presents the 30th running of its ‘Shiny Bike Night’ at The Plough at Cadsden, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0NB on June 22, from 7.30pm. A lovely country setting, lots of prizes for classic bikes, with good beer, food and excellent music are all promised. No cars. www.bbcmcc.freeuk.comnorbsa02@aol.com or call Paul Goff 01494 868218. FESTIVAL OF 1000 BIKES July 16/17 are the dates, Mallory Park the place, for the Festival’s 2022 edition. Go to www. festivalof1000bikes.co.uk or 01455 502214 for entry forms. ASI IN ITALY The 2022 ASI MotoShow is over May 6-8 – visit www.asifed.it for details. KENT MEET-UP Velocette Mayday meet this year is on May 2, 2022, from 9am, at Hamstreet village hall, just south of Ashford Kent, TN26 2NJ. There…

Brough, Vincents, Nortons – they’re all well represented in Bonhams’ sale at Stafford over April 23/24. Other eye-catching items include a pair of Sunbeams, the first being a rare and purposefully handsome 1933 Model 95 (the successor to the Model 90) and the other a 1950 S7, which was formerly the property of Robbie Coltrane, remembered by many for his appearances in TV series Cracker and the Harry Potter films as Hagrid – in fact, the lot comes with a picture of Coltrane in costume and a message ‘please look after the Sunbeam.’ There’s lots of other lovelies as well, including some nice AMC raceware – among them a Matchless G50 – and BSA Gold Stars, an MV Agusta ‘Boxer,’ a lovely flat-tank Model 18 Norton and a rare 175cc…

Nineteen outstanding vintage and collectors’ motorcycles will be offered at the Cheffins Vintage Sale on April 23. From the 11-motorcycle-strong Iverley Collection, which was amassed by a Norton enthusiast during the 1960s and 1970s, and which have been fully restored, are six Nortons and three early flat tank motorcycles, as well as a rare 1923 Morgan-Darmont Sports Model three-wheeler. Also among the Iverley Collection are three prewar flat tankers, including a 1918 550cc BSA, a 1916 P&M and a 1910 FN. Other fine items include a 1949 Norton Inter and a 1931 Norton Model 18. There are an additional 40-odd motorcycles too, with highlights including some rare prewar British lightweights such as a Sunbeam Model 16 and Levis Model A2. For more information, please visit www.cheffins.co.uk, or call Cheffins auctioneers…