1949 Scott Unlike some of the other motorcycle manufacturers, the Scott Motor Cycle Company did not supply motorcycles to the armed forces during World War 2. Instead, they became involved in war work of a
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Reference: When was it that? Indian
Indian Brave The Indian Motorcycle Company, of Springfield, Massachusetts, a formidable rival to Harley-Davidson, were just as famous for their large capacity vee-twins. The first appeared way back in 1906 and by 1911 they had
Read moreReference: When was it that? Cotton
Continental Sports had a cobby look It would seem that Frank Willoughby Cotton, the founder of the Cotton Motor Company, shared similar ideas to Alfred Scott when it came to motorcycle frame design. Impressed by
Read moreReference: When was it that? Velocette Mac
1934 Velocette 350cc ohv in 250cc cycle parts The overhead camshaft KSS Velocette was the flagship of the Velocette range, expensive to purchase but also costly to make. By the early Thirties it was becoming
Read moreReference: When was it that? BMW
245cc BMW R27 If you are ever offered a 'veteran' BMW you will know it's a fake because BMW wasn't founded until August 1918. Their earlier origins lay in the manufacture of six-cylinder inline engines
Read moreReference: When was it that? Norman
1961 Norman B4 250cc twin sports model The town of Ashford in Kent may seem an unlikely place for a manufacturer of bicycles and motorcycles, especially when the hub of the industry lay in the
Read moreReference: When was it that? Norton Isolastic
Norton Commando Fastback Norton Motors was one of the earliest casualties of the crumbling British motor cycle industry when, in early 1953, they encountered serious financial problems and were acquired by Associated Motor Cycles Ltd.
Read moreReference: When was it that? New Imperial
New Imperial Classic In 1931 the British motorcycle industry was facing hard times. With the country in the grip of a deep recession, a number of manufacturers had already ceased business; amongst them AJS, who
Read moreReference: When was it that? DOT
1954 DOT scrambler Model SCH Although DOT was only a relatively small company, based in Hulme, Manchester, it ranked as one of Britain's motorcycle pioneers. Formed in 1903 by Harry Reed, it is alleged the
Read moreReference: When was it that? AJS
AJS Stormer Ford once very successful company, AJS seems to have suffered more than its fair share of misfortunes. Founded by Joe Stevens senior and four of his five sons in 1909, A.J. Stevens &
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