Built like a Gun – or so their advertising header says. Now from the sub-continent, these classic singles look like they hark from the fifties; but with modern day build. Some polished models with pinstripe details, others in olive drab military garb. The single-minded cafe racer Continental GT certainly looked that part too. All still have their kick-starts as standard too!
February 13, 2017
Bullet
January 31, 2017
You read too many comic books!
Life – Rebel without a Cause. Actor Robert Pattinson plays photographer Robert Stock who recorded James Dean in the mid-fifties. Leather clad Dean is played by Dane DeHaan.
Immaculate 50’s Triumph TR5 Trophy 500. The iconic actors original Trophy is in a restored condition and on display at the James Dean Gallery at Fairmount, Indiana.
January 22, 2017
Red, White & Blue
Ready Salted – glorious Triumph TRW sidevalve twin parked under what looks like the clear blue skies of Utah. The Bert Hopwood designed engine was put to practical use in the British forces during the very latter parts of and after WW2. None were sold publicly so all are ex-service. This well worn example appears to be utilized for speed work on The Flats.
January 17, 2017
Doughnut Delivery
Giant Scarab – I spotted this patina-rich coffee & doughnut van scuttling about the City recently. Elegant hand painted script cheerily advertising a morning refreshment for construction and office worker alike. It’s a doughty International Harvester Metro Van, produced between 1938 and 1975 keeping its distinctive flowing form well into the sixties when its edges were squared off to meet a demand for something new. The flowing gumdrop lines were created by the capable hand of Mr Streamline himself, Raymond Loewy.
January 11, 2017
Frogmen
Charioteers- Brave commando frogmen drive these torpedo ‘pigs’ to attack the Axis’ strategic ports and harbours. Rubber wetsuits and barium hydroxide laden rebreather ‘s. Dark, cold waters…
January 10, 2017
Bend Zee Knees
Sur le Piste – seasonal speed. Me too, I’d rather be on my Triumph. This looks like the cartoon illustration of a pair of Scots negotiating the slopes of Cairngorm.
January 9, 2017
Coat of Arms
Haute Couture- Amaranth Red Speed Twin offers this youthful clean cut model a suitable accessory to show off the Bikers Down Jacket by Balmain of Paris. A $2,000 coat- I’m sure it’s cosy for a chilly spring afternoon in Milan. But you should be wearing proper leathers to be taken seriously on two-wheels. The Balmain Leather jacket is over $5k and NOT made for the road. Purely pedestrian fashion.
December 21, 2016
For Paw
Red in Snow – what a beaut! Ably illustrated Jaguar XK 120 in a period snowy village scene by the noted automotive artist Richard Wheatland . His work typically endows Christmas cards for the U.K. Motor Industry Benevolent Charity BEN. The hardtop sports coupe is the roadgoing record breaker which saw success on road and rallying competition. Nice Triumph Tiger in the background. I fancy a roast dinner washed down with a pint of bitter then an hour or two dozing in front of the Public House lounge fireplace…
December 18, 2016
Big Brother
Thought Police – a 1956 film adaptation of George Orwells dystopian novel published just eight years prior had the ThinkPol riding the then futuristic looking Vincent Black Knight.
December 12, 2016
Winter is Here
Snow Days – the first white blankets of winter arrived over the weekend; perhaps I can use this ski tow as an exciting escape for seasonal fun! I’m sure the tires are spiked too!
December 11, 2016
Fly the Flag
Poster – strong graphical imagery for the Small Heath armory and motorcycle makers. From gun to enjun they were one of the big British exports during the days of the Empire. The pre unit twin cylinder motor is the centerpiece of this ‘colliery banner’.
December 9, 2016
Eleven
Legs Eleven – Isle of Man TT competitor W Hall’s 500cc Triumph gets its race number hand painted by some official ennumerator.
December 2, 2016
Utility Mini
Baby Blue – clear out that back couch and the micro truck had many more uses: as a work horse (or pony) the rear barn doors offered ample access to the rear space. Breakdown. (RAC or AA), police work, workmans tote, camper van, or just plain truck. It sure was a versatile little car. Second only to the Model T in regards to adaptive use.
November 26, 2016
Fidel
¡Viva la Revolución! – love him or loathe him, but you must agree that Comrade Castro believed in his country and its population for more than half a century. From coming ashore with his band of revolutionaries headed by Che Guevara on their clapped out cruiser Granma; to the overthrow of Batista; multiple asassination attempts; and hardships after the collapse of the Soviet Union; as well as crippling trade embargoes with the US. He stood by his socialist ideals for good or ill, only time will tell if his words of defense may come true: “History will absolve me!”
November 16, 2016
Car Story
Car Shopping – we need to replace Gertie with a new vehicle. Easier said than done! Trying to tick all the boxes of desirable qualities for our transport for an anticipated decade of use… These old Triumphs look fun, but each is quite specialized. Sporty, practical, small, fun…
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