Once again blessed with beautiful sunshine, The Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show kicked off to a fine start on Easter Monday.

A splendid display of over 150 motorcycles from all ages was put on by the folk who brought their machines, from Ariel to Vincent. Ashford is a little different from some events as it is free to exhibit your pre-1980 motorcycle, and as well as free admission for rider and pillion, all entrants are treated to a specially cast commemorative horse brass and a show programme which included the details of their machine, so no one leaves empty-handed.

Prizes were awarded to the top machines, including the 1920 Douglas W20 2 ¾ HP belonging to John Fuller which took 1st place in the pre-1946 class. This motorcycle was cosmetically restored for a London showroom static exhibit in 1988. When the showroom closed, it was stored until 2005. Since then, it's been mechanically rebuilt and was returned to roadworthy condition just in time for the Ashford Show in 2006.

Winner of the hotly contested Best Club Stand was the Cinque Ports Classic Motor Cycle Club, a local club based around the historic South-East Cinque Ports. With a strict pre-65 only rule, they always put on a superb display of machinery.

• Best Pre 1946
  • 1st John Fuller: 1920 Douglas W20. This motorcycle was cosmetically restored for a London showroom static exhibit in 1988. When the showroom closed, it was stored until 2005. Since then, it's been mechanically rebuilt & returned to roadworthy condition in time for the Ashford Show in 2006.
  • 2nd Colin Barber: 1923 BSA Model S Single cylinder, made in Birmingham. Cinque Ports Classic Motor Cycle Club member.
• Best 1946 - 1959
  • 1st Robin Ditcher: 1951 Vincent Black Shadow. Two owners from new, and has been with the present owner for 43 years. Most of the parts made by the owner from stainless steel. Fitted with electric starter and 12 volt alternator.
  • 2nd Stuart Strover: 1949 Vincent HRD Black Shadow. Made in Stevenage, Herts.
• Best 1960 - 1969
  • 1st Mr AR Shorter: 1966 Norton 650 SS Twin cylinder.
  • 2nd Mr John Luetchford: 1961 Triumph Bonneville T120R. This machine was exported to the USA as new in 1961. It was discovered in a barn in a dilapidated condition on the West Coast of America, before being repatriated, and restored to it's current condition.
• Best 1970-on
  • 1st Neil Pattemore: 1970 Triumph T120R Bonneville. One of the last pre oil-in-frame UK specification bikes made. Since being repatriated from Pakistan, it has been completely stripped down and rebuilt. Ridden regularly, it has all the virtues that made the Bonneville so famous - a modern classic!
  • 2nd Brian Skinner: 1972 Moto Guzzi New Falcon. Ex Italian Police bike, final year of production was1974. Exported to the UK in 1999, lst owner re-built the engine & used it for commuting. Extensive restoration of paintwork, electrics, re-chroming by the present owner, much spent on parts from Italy.
• Best Overseas
  • 1st Brian Skinner: 1972 Moto Guzzi New Falcon. Ex Italian Police bike, final year of production was1974. Exported to the UK in 1999, lst owner re-built the engine & used it for commuting. Extensive restoration of paintwork, electrics, re-chroming by the present owner, much spent on parts from Italy.
  • 2nd Andrew George: 1976 Kawasaki Z900. Made in Japan.
• Best Competition/ Special
  • 1st Mr F Leone: 1957 Motom Racer 98TS. Motom 50cc racing club member, displayed at Beaulieu and ridden at the show, also displayed at Kempton Park. A replica restored by the owner.
  • 2nd Douglas Phipps: 1955/60 Matchless G80 CS. Bought as a half-finished project, and finished over the past 3 winters. Ridden regularly during the Summer.
• Best Lightweight
  • 1st Mr F Leone: 1957 Motom Racer 98TS. Motom 50cc racing club member, displayed at Beaulieu and ridden at the show, also displayed at Kempton Park. A replica restored by the owner.
  • 2nd Glyn Davis: 1956 Motore Demm. Sports Compitizioni speciale - Replica of the factory production sports compitizioni speciale 1956-1959 (modified)
• Best Club Stand - Cinque Ports Classic Motor Cycle Club. A local Classic Motorcycle Club, with a strict pre-65 only rule.

Pictures

Photos - by Olav Jerzykowski

Beautiful 1929 Norton Model 18 588cc Rare old bike, very original & unrestored. Dispatched from the Norton works to King & Harper of Cambridge on 7th October 1929, who sold it to a farmer, Mr Parkinson of Stonebridge Farm, Stone, ELY on 10th October 1929. Now used in the lanes of Kent & Sussex.

1932 AJS B6 Big Port single, a sporting machine of it's day.

Very Pretty 1937 250cc AJS Silver Streak

AJS engine

1926 BSA s6 Combination. From the owner, Dave Masters (normally seen on a Velocette!): "With only two previous owners, this bike has been modernised with a Lucas magdyno and lights, plus later 1928 drum brakes. Just had a complete engine rebuild, my shopping trolley for the weekends!"

AutoJumble: a good selection of pre-War barrels!

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