The Great Jim Clark would have been 80 today. Borders farmer from Chirnside he went on to become one of the most likable and naturally talented driver behind the wheel of any car. Sadly we lost him in ’68 at the Hockenheimring track in Germany.
Just look at those dapper driving brogues.
St David’s Day- enjoy some leek soup and sniff the daffodils. I unearthed this late sixties photo of some enthusiasts haring up the Llanberis Valley in Snowdonia. Wrapped up for a damp weekend during the Dragon Rally, an annual gathering organized by the Conwy MCC early in the year to ensure mud, rain and general character building efforts are encountered.
Pink Floyd’s immortal words: another brick in a wall. Before the pasted billboards advertisements were directly painted onto the brickwork of buildings. Spalling chips add to a weatherbeaten appearance, a powerful message scripted across the running bond.
P.S.
It has been pointed out that this is a 2-Stroke such as a Jawa. Or it could be the German TWN Triumph… So kids; if you’re asked to paint an advertising mural, get your imagery correct!
Barbour jackets are de rigeur in the damp climate of England. Whether with a Purdey double barrel over your arm, a pair of Red Setters sniffing out a hedgerow or, like this lass here, taking a classic British twin for a gallop along the country lane. Waxed cotton to ward off bramble, stone and drizzle, ample pockets to tuck a hip flask and silk scarf in, and wool liner to keep the damp chill at bay.
When careening across the Mojave on a knobbly booted Triumph desert sled you need to keep the tank topped up. Harvey Mushman takes a quick break and sloshes some much needed leaded Mobil into his steed.
The epitome of frenchness in looks and sound is the sixties singer Françoise Hardy. She can wear a badged leather jacket like its a runway item or Brighton pier garb.
Perfect riding shot of M. Hardy and fellow musician George Moustaki zoom through the forests of Fontainebleau.
This classic shot of her looking back from the superbike saddle of the Honda CB750 has been copied numerous times- but hers is the best.
Racing art of a period British racer tearing through a screen print poster. Two colors is all it takes with the highlighted non printed white to add the sparkle of movement. Tres Bien!
Philanthropist Aileen Webb (1892-1979) was instrumental in promoting crafts, handmade goods and the arts. Brought up in the Hudson Valley and married into the Vanderbilt family her influence helped create the American Craft Council and later on the World Craft Council. The latter being formed in 1964 to: “promote fellowship, foster economic development through income generating craft related activities, organize exchange programs, workshops, conferences, seminars, and exhibitions—and in general, to offer encouragement, help, and advice to the craftspersons of the world.”
I like Texas the red hat echoes the Norton emblazoned tank.
As had been mentioned before when I was growing up I loved to build model kits. Aircraft, tanks, spaceships, the odd car; but I never got around to motorcycles. Well did I miss out! I could’ve had fun with kits such as this Revell treat. A 1/8 scale Triumph Tiger.
The full page advert for their particular lines is a period piece from the mid-sixties. Even Ed Roth hot rods are featured. “Wot is… Is.. Wot. ain’t…. Ain’t!!!”
Didn’t know what time it was and the lights were low
I leaned back on my radio
Some cat was layin’ down some rock ‘n’ roll ‘lotta soul, he said
Then the loud sound did seem to fade
Came back like a slow voice on a wave of phase
That weren’t no D.J. that was hazy cosmic jive
There’s a starman waiting in the sky
He’d like to come and meet us
But he thinks he’d blow our minds
There’s a starman waiting in the sky
He’s told us not to blow it
‘Cause he knows it’s all worthwhile
He told me
Let the children lose it
Let the children use it
Let all the children boogie
David Bowie 1947-2016
This hand painted leather jacket has it all: the Triumph classic logo banners the lumbar, Californian locale pasted across the shoulders, and a hefty race number daubed broadly upon the main area. Time worn and off white adds to the grittiness.
Bonneville wave: a cute couple speeding along into the sixties on their travel ready Triumph. Sunny days ahead for the decade of the space-race, free love and the burgeoning optimism expected under the young JFK.
This day in 1967 (New Years Eve) Evel Knievel made his famous jump over the fountain at Caesars Palave in Las Vegas. However as they say: the jumps is the easy part… Sticking the landing is the trick!
Have I been good? Well I’ve tried to be… Hopefully the fat bearded bloke received my xmas list sent up the chimney earlier this month.
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Nine Rockets rockin’
Eight Dommies roarin’
Seven Comets thumpin’
Six Lightings flashin’
Five Golden Stars!
Four AJ’s harin’
Three Cafe’s brewin’
Two Bonnie’s beltin’
And a Vincent doin’ the ton along the A3!
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