Archive for ‘60’s’

February 29, 2024

Froggy McFrog Face

TR3

In need of a loving home to restore back to roadworthyness. This 1960 Triumph roadster is listed locally for six grand. Full tear down of chassis, engine upholstery and bodywork.

September 5, 2023

Volvo

Under the Tracks

Beautiful burgundy P1800 Volvo passed before my eyes just as I was leaving work. Designed by Pelke Peterson whilst a student under the Italian carrozzeria Pietro Frua. The P1800 was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, the same year as the E-Type Jaguar. The Saint TV show starring Roger Moore as Simon Templar used the Volvo as his car after Jaguar declined to offer their XKE.

July 23, 2023

Granchester

And is there honey still for tea?

Sunday evening tv. One of the recurring series on the local PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) is Granchester. About a local detective called Geordie, played by Robson Green, and a young handsome Vicar played by Tom Brittney, as they take on local murders and rural criminal shenanigans. Based in the early sixties with youthful vigor the reverend hares around the Cambridgeshire countryside on a BSA Rocket Goldstar. Perfect machine for the task at hand!

The Old Vicarage by poet Rupert Brook is pure epitome of Englishness and a lost Arcadia of the world before the Great War. The Orchard is a wonderful place for tea and scones.

May 24, 2023

We don’t need another hero

Tina

What a voice and charismatic presence the indefatigable Ms Turner had. Stretching from the 50’s into the 21st Century her impact in the music industry was colossal. She was also a motorcycle rider. A favorite bike being an Electra Glide HD. Though here is a younger gal with a sixties BSA.

Tina Turner RIP (1939-2023)

April 12, 2023

Orbital First

“Poyekhali!!”

“Let’s go!” 1961 on this day (12th April) comrade Gagarin made a 90 minute lap of the globe. Historical hero!

March 10, 2023

Western Tassels

Wild West Wear and Women

International Women’s day was this past week. To further celebrate the amazing deeds women take on with assured aplomb here’s a lass and her desert sled still knocked up and grizzly from an outback hare.

February 18, 2023

HB

Triton in pencil

Glorious drawing by artist Colin Murdoch of this classic cafe racer borne from a Triumph pre-unit engine married to a Norton featherbed frame.

February 17, 2023

Cannes

Sidesaddle Elegance

Another photo of the gorgeous Ms Welch being taken care of by local motorcycle gendarmerie at the ‘66 Cannes film festival.

February 15, 2023

One Million Years

The Fantastic Voyage

One of the twentieth century’s sex symbols, Raquel Welch, passed away today aged 82. Known for her furry bikini outfit that she wore in One Million Years BC then featured on a poster adorning many teenage boys walls – later used to cover Andy Dufresne’s cell wall escape hole. “Time and Pressure”. She’s looking darn purdy on this vintage motorcycle.

February 6, 2023

Go Pro

Outside Broadcasting

A BBC cameraman haring around a muddy scramble wearing the tech equipment of its day to capture the riders view of a race. BSA acting as dolly, I’m sure the transmission paraphernalia isn’t too lightweight either being strapped to his back mounted on some scaffolding.

February 3, 2023

Satchel strapped down

All set to travel

Stirruped leggings, winged spectacles, and a puddin’ bowl helmet. She’s dressed for riding success aboard the bathtubbed Thunderbird.

February 2, 2023

Living under a tarp

Spit ‘n’ Polish

Old found object. Some tarnished aluminum and speckled finish. A ‘66 Trophy lost in Concord Michigan looking for a willing restoration.

February 1, 2023

Cool

Picking up bikes for the ISDT

1964 – E Germany bound. Steve McQueen getting the bikes they used for the International Six Day Trials behind the iron curtain. Other fella is John Steen, also an off-road racer who, along with Ed Kretz Jr., Cliff Coleman and Dave & Bud Ekins, were key players in the SoCal desert racing scene. Steens family we’re in the oil & lubricant business as well as the popular ‘Taco’ mini bike. Steve looks as cool as ever with the desert boots, white socks, Fred Perry polo shirt and Persol sunglasses. (acknowledgements to Les Elmer in NZ for finding this image)

January 16, 2023

Bellezza Italiana

Beautiful but Dangerous

At 95 Gina Lollobrigita had a full and interesting life. As a sex symbol in post-war Europe she acted in several films opposite leading men such as Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Burt Lancaster, and , as seen on the lower right image, Rock Hudson. Later life saw her move to the other side of the camera, where, as a photojournalist, she managed to get an interview with Fidel Castro. (1927-2023)

January 11, 2023

Yardbird

Jeff Beck (1944-2023)

One of the top rock guitarist of his generation who established a powerful technique that inspires many performers to the present day.