1955 Vincent Black Prince

Engine: 50-degree OHV V-twin  
Displacement: 998cc
Bore and Stroke: 84mm x 90mm
Power Rating: 52hp at 5,700rpm
Ignition: Lucas coil ignition, Miller dynamo
Suspension: Girdraulics front fork, hydraulic single-spring rear suspension

In 1950 Vincent reintroduced 500cc singles. The final versions of the big twin were the 1955 enclosed Series D Black Knight (Rapide equivalent) and Black Prince (Black Shadow equivalent). The luxury market was in decline, and Vincent soon ceased production.

Although unloved at its launch, the Black Prince is now one of the most valuable of all Vincent. Few, however, were imported into the USA. "The Black Prince, developed from the famous Black shadow, combines racing performance and roadholding with the most luxurious touring equipment and docility for road work." So read the sales brochure for this all-weather Series D machine. There were three "Knights," the other two being the Black Knight (based on the Rapide) and the Victor (based on the 500 Comet single). You can readily appreciate from the names alone that Philip Vincent was nothing if not a romantic.

1916 Thor

Using the Thor name brand, the Aurora Automatic Machine Company built engines (to the design of Oscar Hedstrom) for the first Indian machines, Reading-Standard, Racycle, Emblem and others. 1901 marks the year that things really started rolling for the Aurora Machine and Tool Company when they were sent a prototype Indian motorcycle for parts study. This ultimately led to the deal that Aurora would make motors and then sell them to Indian. By 1902 137 Indian motorcycles had been produced, all of which were built with Aurora motors in them. With an engine ready at hand, Aurora decided to go the next step and build its own motorcycle, the Thor. By 1903 Aurora created the Thor Motorcycle and Bicycle Company.

It was never stated in the agreement contract that Aurora was bound just to Indian; in fact, it was clearly stated that Aurora could sell to any company it wished as long as a royalty would be returned. With the creation of the Thor, though, the deal between Indian and Aurora ended. The first bikes were created through Aurora "composed of Thor parts" and it has been found that this wasn't just the case with Thor motorcycles. Many other companies had bought from Aurora and they were making almost identical machines with the Thor parts.

In 1903 the first Thor motorcycles were offered to the public. Within just a few years it was considered one of the top American Marques alongside Indian, Harley Davidson, Excelsior, Merkel and Reading-Standard.

The workmanship of the Thor left nothing to be desired, with chain drive to the rear wheel as well as an optional 2-speed rear wheel hub. But, by the dawn of the 1920s Thor, like many of the hundreds of American motorcycle manufacturers, ceased production in the post-WWI years.

1936 Norton Manx Early Factory Racer

Norton'a impressive reputation was founded on its considerable success on the race track. The firs engine to carry Norton's own name, a single-cylinder design, was produced in 1908. The company went on to develop a wide variety of singles - from racers to touring bikes to simple workhorse machines.

The model shown here is a 500cc 1936 Norton International, Borro Castellani's race bike. It has been documented and authenticated by both Castellanis himeself and his mechanic, Cranely Jarmin. This motorcycle has seen numerous victories, including the DJ (Durban to Johannesburg) as well as TT history. At the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, the bike is accompanied by a folder with many pictures and articles provided by Castellani.

The International was introduced into Norton's line of single-cylinder machines in 1932 and used the improved OHC engine that had been redesigned by Arthur Carroll in 1930. A sports model intended as a fast road bike or a competitive mount for the amateur racer, it was available in 350cc or 500cc models. Lights were not included in the list price, but the otherwise impressive equipment included an Amal TT carburetor, Webb competition girder forks and a 4-speed gearbox.  

1975 "Wankel 200" Rotary Engine

The idea of the rotary engine, developed by Dr. Felix Wankel, proved irrisistable to manufacturers the world over. Many of them invested heavily in research programs that never got to production. Sachs-Hercules pulled it off, however, and managed to put a rotary-engine bike on the market. Wonderful in theory, the rotary engine proved unsatisfactory in practice and the venture was abandoned before the Eighties.

1959 Triumph Thunderbird

Bud Ekins, who was a stunt double for Steve McQueen (most famously in "The Great Escape"), built this bike. It was painted by Von Dutch.

1928 New Hudson Model 88 ee

Manufactured in England, the first New Hudson cycle (ca 1903) were Minerva-engined bicycles. Switching to J.A.P. engine in 1910, New Hudson developed their own 499cc side-valve single cylinder engine starting in 1911. OHV models were manufactured in the 1920s. New Hudson had the benefit of two of the leading designers and riders of the time — Fred Hutton and Herbert Le Vack (who designed the legendary J.A.P. speedway engine).

The New Hudson was classed as the best sports tourer of the period. A few quotes from Motorcycle magazine road test in 1928: "Power and refinement, impressive appearance, engine a revelation, mechanical silence outstanding; 70mph cruising, powerful breaks." During 1927, this model with the same engine, forks, frame and gearbox gained 10 world records and a Brooklands Championship at 101.43 mph! It took second in the 500cc class Isle of Man TT. Racer Hugh Anderson, who fully restored this motorcycle, claimed "if Brough Superior was the Rolls Royce (of motorcycles), then New Hudson was the Daimer of motorcycles." This engienw as designed by Herbert Le Vack.

1982 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica

To commemorate legendary British racer Mike Hailwood's triumphant win in the 1978 Isle of Man TT race, this replica became Ducati's best seller in the early 1980s. It was produced from 1979 until 1986 and was based on a restyled and customized 900 SuperSport. Wearing the red, green and white of the Italian flag, the MHR was an 860cc V-twin with desmodromic valve train. The Gran Prix-style front fairing was originally one piece, but was later split into two sections for better access to the mechanics beneath.

The 1982 model was equipped with side panels for the first time, which provided some protection for the battery and other electrical components. The first 500 or so Mike Hailwood Replicas came with a certificate of authenticity. Mike Hailwood, who began racing at age 18, chalked up nine world championships and over 70 Gran Prix vistories.

1939 Ariel 250 Red Hunter

Engine: 248cc OHV, vertical single with twin-port head
Bore x Stroke: 61mm x 85mm
Transmission: 4-speed Burman
Suspension: Girder forks, solid rear
Weight: 350lb (dry, approx.)
Price new: 53 pounds 10 shillings (approx. $86 today)

Once described as "The Most Exclusive Motor Cycle in the World," the Red Hunter was indeed the precursor to the world's most famous trials bike — 11 time successive British Trial's Champion Sammy Miller's 1962 Ariel HT5.

Steve McQueen's 1947 Indian Chief Chopper is on display at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa.

Steve McQueen's passion for racing and speed was not a publicity stunt: he owned about 210 motorcycles, 55 cars and 5 airplanes. He also raced both cars and motorcycles professionally, did most of his own stunts and stunt driving in his movies, and at one time, considered full time professional racing over acting.

According to sources, this 1947 Indian Chopper was one of McQueen's favorites, used to "get away from it all" in the desert he loved.