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Classic Bike News, May 2013
A hundred classic motorcycles go under the hammer at Brooklands; 600 vintage machines are lined up for the Banbury Run; Lucas rear lights are available again, and a trio of Triumph Terriers get ready for a long-distance trek…
Over 80 classic motorcycles will go under the hammer on 1st June 2013 at the Historics auction at Brooklands. This new series of sales hosts an automotive auction each quarter, and they’re aiming to hold at least one dedicated classic bike sale each year. The bikes in the June auction can be viewed the day before, with bidding starting at 11.30am on the Saturday.
The sale features a broad selection of British and European classics, from the weird (a Benelli Volcano) to the wonderful (an AJS Model 2). Some of the price estimates look a little optimistic, like £2200 to £2800 for a freshly demobbed MT350, or £24,000 for that pre-war AJS V-twin. A keen restorer might want to grab the no-reserve 850 Le Mans, mind, or go for the no-reserve Dutch Army Triumph 3TA which despite appearances is said to run well.
All the lots can be viewed at
Lucas Lamps
Decent quality Lucas-type rear lamps have been in short supply in recent times – there have been some rough pattern copies around and even those have sold for silly money, but it’s been hard to lay hands on well finished and functional L529-type lighting units.
Now Paul Goff has secured a supply of new Lucas-style lamps, part number LU53256, as fitted to Cubs and Terriers, many AMC Lightweights, Ariel 350s, Enfield 250s and Vincent Black Prince and Knights. The L529 is a combined stop and tail-light and can be supplied with 6 or 12V bulbs for £14.95 plus delivery. Call 01494 868218 or see
Banbury Run 2013
The largest gathering of veteran and vintage machines in the world is set and ready to roll on Sunday 16th June 2013. The 600 entrants, all on motorcycles built before 1931, will start at five minute intervals from the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon, Warwickshire. Once they’re safely under way, spectators will be able to browse the extensive autojumble with over 100 stalls, and enjoy free entry to the Heritage Motor Centre Museum. Camping is available together with quality catering including an outdoor BBQ and the museum restaurant. A companion auction will be held the day before, on Saturday 15th June, at Bonhams in Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1JH.
Spectator admission to the Banbury Run itself costs £8, including parking and entry to the museum. Prebook tickets discounted to £5; family tickets also available. Tickets from 01926 645029 and see for further details.
Terrier Trek
60 years ago in October 1953, three of Triumph’s senior managers including Edward Turner took a trio of brand new 149cc Terrier machines on a thousand-mile trek from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The object of this exercise was to demonstrate the reliability of the new model, and it proved a huge success. The Terriers maintained an average speed of 36.68mph on the road (no motorways, of course) and returned remarkable fuel economy of over 100mpg across the entire, ACU-observed distance.
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The Terrier trio arrived in the west country from Meriden on October 5th, then left Exeter for Roche on the following morning. The timed run started at Roche, ran down to Land’s End, back up to Exeter and then onto John O’Groats and finally Wick, clocking up a total of 1008 miles. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of this accomplishment, members of the Exeter Classic Bike Club and titchy Triumph enthusiasts have banded together to stage a recreation of the run. They’ll be using the original route wherever possible, and will start at 11.40 on October 6th 2013 from the Victoria Hotel, Roche. There will be at least three riders; Brett Baxter from the Exeter Club; Mike Estall the well-known Terrier and Cub expert, ‘Gorgeous Biker Chick’ a dedicated Terrier enthusiast who produces the quarterly ‘Cub Mag’. Other Cubs and Terriers are expected to join the trio as they first head south and then retrace their tracks northwards, travelling part of the route or the whole way to John O’Groats. |
More eBay old bikes below |
If you ride a Terrier or Tiger Cub and would like to take part in this unique event, then you’re welcome to join the fun. Spectators would also be very welcome to see the team off from the Victoria Hotel in Roche, or give them a cheer somewhere along the thousand-mile route.
Contact Brett on 01752 815443, or visit the Gaffers Gallop .
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