Generally this blog does not feature scans of magazine articles. This however is information that won't be seen anywhere else and is such an obscurity that it deserves publishing.In the early post-WWII years rear springing conversions were a burgeoning business. The McCandless (from the same folks...

Early to mid-twenties Sunbeam combination. The picture was taken in Bournemouth, UK, and for those nerdy enough to care the EL pre-fix on the reg plate is a Bournemouth designation. Check here for a listing of British number plate area codes.The note on the back of the picture reads, "On bike Reg Bullen,...

The latest apple of my eye is this 1950 ZB34 Gold Star. I got to know it as available a few months back. These early Gold Stars have always appealed: I think it is because I started motorcycling on a plunger-framed Bantam and the styling is followed through from bottom to top of range. I was lucky...

There's been a slight shed re-alignment of late. My Wall Autowheel / Raleigh x-frame combo found a new home with fellow Sunbeam MCC member John Joseph. The Wall had an entry in the Pioneer Run but work dictated that I was unable to ride. I was genuinely chuffed that I was able to pass stewardship of...

Spring has well and truly sprung down in Southern England. Enjoying getting out on the Dominator, can't believe now I was considering selling it. Here's to a glorious riding seaso...

Ambassador's brochure for their new Super S model for the 1959 season.Ambassador Super S brochure front page.Ambassador Super S brochure pages 2 and 3.Ambassador Super S brochure pages 3 and 4.Ambassador Super S brochure pages 5 and 6.Ambassador Super S brochure rear pag...

A steep old hill for a veteran and no doubt, the postcard claims it is however a genuine image. I'd have a guess at the bike being a Rover c1914 fitted with an Armstrong hub gear. Here's the text from the card:front side:642 Motor Cycling in Lakeland"An awkward hill"(Abraham's Series)on rear:This card...

The VMCC Shepton Mallet Autojumble is one of the best parts fairs going at the moment and has been for some time. Stalls are fairly priced so plenty of enthusiasts come along to have a clearout, that means interesting parts for sale and that brings the punters in. Combine that with the fact that you...

Stepping closer to getting the CB32 fully roadworthy. Took it out for a road test, not the greatest ride - the bike needs bedding in and with the tall gearing and hilly local terrain it was pretty tiring. Good news is that everything seems to work ok. Bad news is that it started misfiring after about...

Tis a small machine hiding under this intrepid pair, probably a Velocette GTP from the early thirties. Looks like they are off on a journey considering that knapsack she is carrying and his small suitcase. I would say that she's a keeper if she tolerated the discomfort of being perched on a pad on...

Getting there with the ongoing (taking forever...) CB32 Gold Star project. I was having problems with compression but stripping down the top end and re-assembling seems to have cured it, though the cause remains a mystery.I had been struggling to get my head around how to time the ignition and the...

This gem has been sitting in a box in the shed for a long time. What possessed me to buy it in the first place I do not rightly know. It is unquestionably an item of great rarity; and with due cause many would say.The astounding thing about this crash hat, for it is indeed that, is that it ever passed...