Known as “an American rockabilly legend who defined the greasy-haired, leather-jacketed, hot rods ‘n’ babes spark of rock and roll.” His ‘56 hit “Be-bop-a-lula” was written whilst recuperating in a naval hospital following a motorcycle accident. The injury was whilst riding a new Triumph bought with a $612 re-enlistment pay. Here he sits astride a Triumph in the late sixties on what certainly looks like a suburban English street.
A Thunderbird cover from seventy years ago. For a quarter you can have a ‘zine with articles regaling the qualities of British machinery. Bingo!
Gangs of the open road. One per centers wear their signature vests, oily blue jeans and mechanics boots. As well as the ubiquitous Harleys they also tore around on chopped Triumphs like the Pre-Unit shown here.
Most published illustrations are based on staged photographs. Norman Rockwell’s covers for The Saturday Evening Post we’re such examples. Here is a piece of work by one of his contemporaries Gil Elvgren, who was known for his pin-up girls as well as advertising illustrations for companies such as Brown & Bigelow. Many of his ladies ended up as nose art on WW2 bombers.
Twenty-one year old motorcycle triallist June Adams on her bike, March 1951.
– the Automobile Association combination must have been through a ford on the way to a breakdown. Ready enough to tip it up and drain the cylinders. Fishtail muffler seems appropriate.
At 95 Gina Lollobrigita had a full and interesting life. As a sex symbol in post-war Europe she acted in several films opposite leading men such as Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Burt Lancaster, and , as seen on the lower right image, Rock Hudson. Later life saw her move to the other side of the camera, where, as a photojournalist, she managed to get an interview with Fidel Castro. (1927-2023)
Beautiful drawing of a classic Triumph engine. Quite special.
Sparsely equipped BSA ready for the fields and dirt roads. Of hood and horn you could say.
When a disaster occurs it’s time to call in International Rescue. I’d expect Aloysius Parker, Lady Penelope’s chauffeur, to turn up on it. “Yes M’lady”
– I should find something to get my idle hands onto. A Vincent or Norton looking for a warm workshop. Recovery through Restoration. Apologies for the lack of posts, a few personal issues arose these past few weeks. Hope to get a few things shifting on the Blog soon.
A visit to the premier classic British motorcycle shop in northern Illiniois was also included in the agenda. Always a treat to look over the various items parked shoulder to shoulder in the main display area. The workshop was so busy that bikes awaiting service and restoration work were stood outside.
– Norton badged machine with a swift footed JAP engine. Thick sheepskin pilot jacket essential garb for B road enjoyment.
– the police forces have always utilized the agile flexibility of motorcycles. Triumph was always a stalwart of law enforcement in the UK.
geordiebiker.com 