Porsche DKW TM Special

Originally built in 1963 by American Curtis Thews, this charming DKW Porsche-engined TM Special was inspired by the 550 Spyder and started life as a DKW Junior.  As the owner of two 1,600cc Porsche Type 692 four-cam Carrera engines, but keen to compete in more than once racing class, Thews decided to convert one of the engines into an 800cc four-cam flat twin, interchanging the motor half way through race meets! Later, with a 911 motor installed, the car became an autocross winner.

It currently uses Porsche 912 case and heads, Shasta pistons and a Neutek cam, developing approximately 100hp.

2014 Coupe Moto Legende – Dijon Prenois

Dijon Prenois - the home of Coupes Moto Legende - a riotous, two-wheeled weekend of classic road and race track sessions, expert demonstrations and in 2014 at least, stunning sunshine. Joined by Mike Pemberton of Pushrod Performance and his heavily modified ES2 500 'Poor Man's Manx', I was riding the 350 Manx using an open megaphone and sticky Avon racing tyres.

Growing in popularity each and every year 2014, brought with it even bigger crowds but the intimate, vintage feel was still retained. The event caters for a very wide range of machines and rider abilities whilst the Dijon Prenois circuit continues to challenge even on my third visit.

Bring on 2015!

FOR SALE: Norton Metisse Commando 750

Spotted on CarandClassic.co.uk, this rare Norton Metisse Commando 750 features a nickel plated Metisse frame, tuned Commando engine and Lockheed racing brakes, offering the club racer a great spec for a 1970s Classic Racer…

According to the seller, the chassis was professionally overhauled at the start of the year, with overhauls of the front forks and brakes, new Avon race tyres, new screen, rewiring and general tidying up. At the same time the old 2-into-1 exhaust was replaced by a new twin exhaust system with track silencers (important if it is to be campaigned on UK tracks), the Amal 32mm Mk2 carbs were overhauled, and a new Mk 4 Boyer ignition system fitted. The rest of the spec includes a 5 speed AMC gearbox with Quaife gears, alloy petrol and oil tanks, belt primary drive, tuned engine with 4S camshaft and high compression pistons.

CRMC Registered, the bike is sold with some history, including period photographs of it being raced – such as the one shown topping The Mountain at Cadwell Park. There are also some spares included in the sale.

The owner adds that this Metisse-framed Commando is, “As quick as a Manx Norton... but at a quarter of the price!”

Offered at £7,250 (Now sold!)

For further information and for viewing, contact Bob on 01373 834407. The machine is located in Somerset, near Bath.

Hairy Bikers

Top flight motorcycle racing has produced some fine heads of hair over the years - with the exception of the fantastically bald Mike Hailwood perhaps. We take a look at some of the most memorable...

Mike Hailwood

Bob McIntyre

Joey Dunlop

Marco Simoncelli

Giacomo Agostini

Phil Read

Kenny Roberts

Barry Sheene

Guy Martin

Evel Comes to Cooperville

'Evel Comes to Cooperville' is a new collection of previously unseen photographs published by Done to Death Projects. The story goes author Garret Colton was rooting around his grandparents’ attic and found a dusty old box labelled 'Evel Knievel slides & film, 1972'.  His grandfather Jack Cooper, a car salesman met Evel by chance in Las Vegas and they really hit it off - so much so Evel suggested for publicity he travel down to Oklahoma to jump the cars at Jack's Cooperville dealership.  Buy the book here to find out how the stunt went, going by form we reckon probably intensive care.

Done To Death Publications, 60 Pages, Paper Bound Hardcover, Edition of 250, 8.5”x11"

Mississippi Delta Crop Dusting

Unfortunately, this relaxed bag of bones is neither a car or bike racer and nor does he seem to be part of any club. What he does have however is a magnificent Stearman bi-plane crop duster and a fine disregard for safety. Sit back, relax and enjoy one of the coolest videos you'll watch this year.