January 10, 2023
ENGLISH MOTORBIKES
1965 Velocette Thruxton 498cc Single
Just 1,108 Thruxtons were manufactured before the company closed in 1971. The first, 1965’s
41-horsepower production model, clocked in at 110 mph and was a favorite among professional racers.
ARIEL. VELOCETTE. NORTON. TRIUMPH. VINCENT. BSA.
1950 Vincent 499cc Comet Series C
Out-performing just about every other vehicle of their era, Philip Vincent’s incomparable machines bristled with innovative features like adjustable brake pedals, footrests, seat height and gear-change levers.
1955 Vincent 998cc Black Shadow Series D
At a time when the average family sedan could barely top 70 mph, the Black Shadow’s top
speed of 125 mph made it the fastest road vehicle of its day.
1975 Norton Commando 850 Twin
The Commando’s engine, mounted vertically in earlier Norton models, was tilted forward,
shifting its center of gravity and allowing more space behind the carburetor.
1954 Norton 500cc Dominator 88
The Dominator 88 was the first production Norton roadster to feature a light-
weight, race-proven chassis. Updated year by year, by the decade’s end the Dominator had received an alloy cylinder head, full-width hubs, and welded rear subframe.
1971 Triumph T120R Bonneville 650 Twin
Launched in 1959 as “The Best Motorcycle in the World,” the Bonneville T120 was
produced primarily for the U.S. market, where enthusiasts were demanding extra
performance.
1958 Triumph 649cc T110
Setting a 650cc production machine speed record of over 147 mph in 1958, the Tiger
110 was the first Triumph with swinging-arm rear suspension and high-compression
pistons.
1965 BSA A65 Lightning 650 Twin
BSA’s answer to Triumph’s Bonneville, the twin-carb Lightning was its highest-
performance offering.
1959 BSA A10 Spitfire Scrambler
Dirt bikes like the Spitfire Scrambler ruled the racing circuit in the Western United
States, earning them the nickname “desert sleds.” The big 650 twin wasn’t light, but
it had plenty of power and great handling.
1952 Ariel Square Four 995cc Mark I
Designed by Edward Turner, the Ariel Square Four Mark I used alloy instead of cast
iron to shave off about 30 pounds, allowing it to reach speeds of 90-plus mph.
1958 Ariel Red Hunter
Amongst the elite of Britain’s postwar single-cylinder bikes, the Red Hunger
excelled in off-road competition.
