Picked up this great reference book of Triumph motorcycles from the last eighty odd years. All models and variations discussed in depth from the legendary Meriden examples to the current Hinckley offerings. Lots of photos and masses of written information.
The Complete Book of Classic and Modern Triumph Motorcycles 1937-Today https://www.amazon.com/dp/0760366012/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EIw8EbMGGRAH3
Two of Us
– we recreated the classic photo of designers Charles and Ray Eames a while back. All I needed was a pipe to complete the look.
– old photo of an AA patrolman maneuvering their recovery combination through some snow drifts. Heavy insulated overalls to keep the cold at bay. My grandfather George Lawrie would have been clad as such whilst plying the roads of North Northumberland.
Portable Forge
The blacksmith was history’s mechanic and tire shop. They shod horses, fabricated machinery and repaired tools. With the advent of the internal combustion engine they had to adapt to newer technologies. This blackie has utilized a motorcycle combination to haul around a portable forge with anvil. You can hear the ring of the heavy ball peen hammer.
… back in the fifties Mr G G Evans rode his Triumph Thunderbird through Europe and on through North Africa, along the Suez and down into South Africa. I wonder if this journey was inspiration for Ted Simon fifteen years later as Jupiter?
Today is the birthday of iconic 50’s centerfold Bettie Mae Page (1923-2008)
Captain Tom Moore, who will turn 100 next week recently took it upon himself to walk 100 laps of his small garden. 25 yards per lap. His goal was to raise £1,000. As of today his donations have raised £27 million. His wish was for the funds to go to NHS workers who are putting their all into the care and attention for the Covid 19 I’ll. He was a Captain during WW2 in an armored division in Burma. After the war he actively pursued motorcycle racing aboard a Scott Flying Squirrel with trophied success.
A True British Hero!
A young plumber from Salford was beckoned to the gritstone crags of the Peak District in the fifties. Along with other working class types they opened up the climbing scene, once a dominion of the upper classes, to the everyman. Along with Don Whillans, Joe put up many test-pieces in the UK, Alps and greater ranges. We would occasionally see him in his latter years when we were out craggin’ on Stanage Edge up from Sheffield; or over at Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia. A true legend in the climbing scene.
– one of the Greats in Motorsport died today aged 90. He raced during the Golden Age of Formula 1 against Fangio; barely surviving horrific crashes; smashing the Mille Miglia 1000 record in a Mercedes Benz 300 SLR; and becoming the most famous driver never to win the Championship. S
ir Stirling Moss 1929-2020
– great image of Arthur Fonzarelli on his TR5 Triumph bobber in Al’s Diner parking lot.
– Marlon Brando has a cheeky grin in this promotional photo of the ‘53 move The Wild One. Weekend at last! MB was born on this day in 1924.
– television is a suitable pastime in this day of social separation. Cruising the channels I happened upon Jimmy Deans classic film from 1955. “You’re tearing me apart!” .
Comet
…another illustration from Akita Sorimachi of a Vincent riding cove clad in belted trench coat, plaid trousers and flat cap. Fine drawing indeed.
Men’s clothier Drake’s used Japanese artist Akita Sorimachi to create a number of illustrations for their advertising. Like pen and wash imagery from 50’s and 60’s magazines they evoke the seemingly relaxed sensibility of an age. The BSA Goldstar is an ideal foil for the gent in striped shirt and sleeveless vest.
Paper Dart Avian | the Thunderbird name logo used by Triumph since the fifties was devised by Edward Turner whilst traveling between the UK and the Marques operations in the States.
