Hold on tight, because if you like your vintage motorbikes and think modern machines lack a bit of character, you’re in for a treat with this picture selection.
It harks back to a time before the Japanese invasion and is a reminder of the rich motorcycle heritage of Wolverhampton and Britain generally. AJS, Ariel, Scott... they are names to resonate down the ages.
Today those of that special breed who prefer two wheels to four continue to enjoy the sensations and freedoms of motorcycle motoring which have always been an attraction, while benefiting from advances in technology and safety.
So take your seat and rev up for a trip down motorcycling memory lane.
- Missed our gallery from 1975? Take a look at all 63 pictures here.
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1. Rolling past the Rock
A 1928 AJS combination driven by R Jordan of Penn with John Priest, the owner, in the sidecar, motors past the Rock Hotel at Tettenhall, Wolverhampton. The print has a date stamp for May 18, 1964, but we haven't been able to identify this event, although as the magnificent machines have numbers on clearly it is some sort of rally or race. | Express & Star archive
2. Make some noise
Four-year-old Ian Cheesewright gets to grips with a 1922 Ariel motorcycle belonging to John Brett and his wife Susan at the Sandwell Historic Vehicle parade in May 1978. | Express & Star archive
3. Sharing experience
Rugeley's Peter Bidmead had a collection of vintage motorcycles, and each day travelled to work on his 20-year-old 1,000cc Ariel Square Four combination. To pass on his interest and knowledge of bikes he taught youngsters how to ride machines in an RAC/ACU motorcycle course at the Fair Oak School, Rugeley. The picture dates from April 1978. | Express & Star archive
4. Pelsall prizewinner
Mark Whittaker, aged 13, shows off his mini replica AJS model K6, which won him top prize in one of the classes at a vintage motorcycle rally in Walsall in June 1980. Mark, of Ryders Hayes Lane, Pelsall, took the prize in the 1915-1930 class for his 1925 machine. The town's fourth annual rally, held in the Arboretum, attracted enthusiasts from all over the Midlands. | Express & Star archive