Issue April 2020 - The Classic MotorCycle (2024)

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Started in 1903, The Classic MotorCycle has more to offer the true vintage motorcycle enthusiast than any other publication, backed by Europe's largest motorcycle image archive.

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IN THIS ISSUEEditor’s welcomeWhen I was selling one of my motorcycles a year or two back, I’d included in the advert that I’d be happy to consider any part exchanges, which is something I’ve pretty much always said whenever I’ve advertised anything for sale.One chap responded to my advert with the comment: ‘I presume you’re a dealer then?’ To which I explained I’m anything but a dealer, it’s just that when it comes to old motorcycles, as it was so beautifully put by the inimitable Oscar Wilde, ‘I can resist everything except temptation’.My tastes are so wide ranging that anything and everything is of appeal. To that end, I’ve perhaps not held onto things for as long as many people have or do, because I’ve always been keen to try the next thing,…2 min

IN THIS ISSUESeason finaleOne of the features of Southport’s popular beach series had become a car v motorcycle ‘match race’ with the fastest pair of two-wheelers and the same from the four-wheelers going head-to-head in a handicap race, with, in this instance, the motorcycle men being hit with a 10-second handicap.Held at the start of October 1931, the pictured event was a novelty, really, with the more serious business for the motorcycle men being a straight mile, a two-mile, a six-mile, a 12-mile and a 20-mile event, with capacity classes of 350cc, 500cc, 750cc and 1000cc.Southport had an array of specialists who would regularly appear and do most of the winning, and so it was the case on this day. One of those is pictured on the left of the picture, in the…4 min

IN THIS ISSUEStafford builds and buildsThis year’s Stafford show, to be held over April 25/26, celebrates the 40th anniversary since the event was first held in 1980.To mark the occasion, there’s lots of things happening around the ‘40’ theme, also loosely marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.Expect lots of machines from that period, with a Spitfire, Hurricane and a running Merlin engine – plus another big, period aviation engine – to be among the attractions.We’ve got George Formby impersonator Graeme Hardy and the ex-Formby International Norton – more next month – coming along; there’s Stuart Graham, the ex-works Suzuki and Honda man, and son of 1949 500cc GP world champion, Les, who was Lancaster pilot; a gang of Dad’s Army celebrants; while there’s some spectacular machines almost ready to…1 min

IN THIS ISSUENEWS IN BRIEFASI MOTOSHOWThe wonderful ASI Motoshow takes place over May 8-10, 2020, in Parma. With a sprawling autojumble, on-track action and free entry, it’s a great visit. Visit www. asifed.itCAMBRIDGESHIRE SALECheffins hosts an auction on April 18, 2020, at its Ely showground. Details or to consign from 01353 777767 or vintage@cheffins.co.ukJOIN TEAM OBSOLETETeam Obsolete is seeking a skilled race mechanic/ engine builder for their Brooklyn, New York shop. Please email CV and cover letter to bikes@ teamobsolete.comVELO BOOK BACK… AND BETTERIvan Rhodes has updated his long out of print Velocette book, ‘Technical Excellence Exemplified’, with lots of new information and chapters and given it the new title ‘Velocette, Passion of a Lifetime.’ The official launch of the book will be at the National Motorcycle Museum on Saturday March 28, 2020, at…1 min

IN THIS ISSUEMorbidelli machinery to wow the crowdsAfter protracted negotiations and complicated export issues, Bonhams has confirmed that the post Second World War machines from the former Morbidelli Museum in Italy will be included in the sale to be held at Stafford county showground over the weekend of April 24-26.This brings some truly spectacular machinery onto the open market, with two four cylinder racers from the 1960s probably the pick of the offerings.First off, it’s the 1965 125cc Ducati four, top left, an almost mythical machine, which was the subject of much perseverance and effort from Mr Morbidelli, as he tracked down the key elements of the machine and reunited them. The estimate is £400,000-£600,000, reflecting the machine’s unique nature.The second four is an ex-Tarquinio Provini 1964 Benelli, above, essentially the forerunner of the machine on which…1 min

IN THIS ISSUESouth of England showGuest of honour at Elk Promotions’ show, at the South of England showground at Ardingly, West Sussex, on March 29, will be legendary Triton builder, racer and raconteur Dave Degens.Additionally, the show boasts five indoor halls, with all manner of attractions. If you enter your pre-1980 classic into the show before March 1, then you’ll be sent a pass which will let you in free. Visit www.elk-promotions.co.uk for details, or contact Julie Diplock on 01797 344277.…1 min

Issue April 2020 - The Classic MotorCycle (2024)

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