NEW CROCKER DOWN UNDER

This just in from Sydney; confirmation of many months of rumors that a'1346Venice' will produce a new Crocker in Australia, with 'a maximum of 24' reproduction Big Twins per year. No prices so far, and I'll relate the story as I learn it. Are there enough paying customers for so many new Crockers? It's an interesting question, and certainly depends on the final sale price.

Michael Schacht of the LA-based Crocker Motorcycle Co. has intentions to build an additional 10 machines (beyond the one I test rode last year). Looks like Crocker fans will soon be spoiled for choice, if the choices aren't spoiled by litigation...

Below is the press release from 1346Venice:

"Beasts of a Bygone Era - The 1930s Crocker Motorcycle

Icons of 1930s Los Angeles have found a new home in a small Waterloo cul-de-sac nestled in the midst of what is fast becoming Sydney's arts precinct. A little- known restored warehouse, named 1346 Building, bearing a red neon sign and wooden doors, is harboring treasures seen by few in the world - the largest private collection of original Crocker motorcycles. The owner of these exquisite motorcycles, Chilli (as he's affectionately known), sets out to preserve a rare piece of automotive history by offering the same bespoke experience as back in Crocker's prime at 1346 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles. 

Known as the 'Deusenberg of motorcycles,' the Crocker is the definitive American motorcycle - hand-built, powerful, and fast. Very much a Hollywood "hot rod", the Crocker was created in and shaped by the culture of pre-WWII California, by former Indian motorcycle engineers Al Crocker and Paul Bigsby.

When the road-going V-twin debuted I. 1936, the upstart founder brazenly challenged world dominators Harley Davidson, boasting superior technology, performance, handling, and raw power. In fact, Al Crocker famously advertised that if any of his bikes were ever beaten by a standard production Harley or Indian, he would refund the owner's money.

No refunds were ever requested.

Before World War II forced the original firm's closure, it's rumored that only 125 Crockers were ever built, including the early speedway bike. Today, approximately 66 V Twins are accounted for, making Crocker motorcycles extremely rare. After fading into relative obscurity for half a century, two major auction events transpired, vaulting Crocker into the sights of collectors worldwide. The attention provided by these two events - highlighting the marque's unique history, success and rarity - suddenly made Crocker one of the most desirable and expensive motorcycles in the world.

As Chilli rebuilds the Crocker Motorcycles in all their powerful, roadworthy glory; he offers his clients tailored specifications to maintain the value and uniqueness of these immaculate machines. This costly and time-intensive approach means that quality remains high and production output low. A maximum 24 Crocker Motorcycles per year will ever be built by Chilli's company, 1346 Engineered.

Chilli's parent company, 1346Venice, is also documenting the amazing story of these incredible steel stallions. Many who know and have experienced the full history of Crocker have sadly passed away, this it is important for Chilli and his team to collect and compile stories from those who are still around, most residing in Los Angeles. Chilli's team comprises of photographers, engineers, marketers, designers, artists, filmmakers and a restaurateur, all exhibiting the same passion and persistence to create and document the rebirth of this revered Hollywood Hot Rod. "

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WHEELS AND WAVES: THE RECEPTION

The Southsiders MC have included an art gallery in the Wheels & Waves concept, to celebrate the many visual artists who enrich our motorcycling world - photographers, sculptors, bike builders, musicians, etc.  Thursday night's kickoff party took place at Gallerie 13 Avril in Biarritz, a former paint factory, the old warehouse space underneath a residence built in a charming 19th Century southern France style, complete with an elderly tenant upstairs, who, while fascinated with the commotion on his small, normally quiet street, ultimately latched his wooden storm shutters to get some peace from the happy celebrants below.

This year's roster of artists included photographer Bill Phelps (featured previously on The Vintagent), painter/musician/preacher Brian Bent, Spanish photographer Alberto Garcia Alix, and photographer Alain Duplantier. El Solitario showed their latest Ducati-based custom, looking like nothing you've ever seen, and surely their best work to date. 

Surprise guests of the evening included the prototype BMW R90S built by Roland Sands (and recently debuted at Villa d'Este), accompanied by Roland himself, and Ola Stenegard, head of BMW motorcycle design.  Also on show, thanks to the foresight of Sebastien Lorentz, was the equally spectacular BMW R7 (also much discussed on The Vintagent).  More on the BMW show-up later...

The art was all top notch, the venue quirky enough to satisfy  everyone, and the hugely international crowd was thrilled to meet up.  BikeExif's Chris Hunter arrived from New Zealand, plus Jordan Kightley from the Gentleman Racer rides and  Sydney Cafe Racers, plus lots of Americans/Brits/Dutch/German etc riders.  Next: Friday's ride and illegal sprint race!

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WHEELS AND WAVES: PART 1

Hanging out, post-downpour, on the cliffs of Biarritz, under the lighthouse.  The rabble are beginning to arrive, and it's estimated 4-500 bikes will be here by tomorrow...hard to imagine, as there have been plane and train strikes, cancelled flights, and scrambles to find transport.  It was a planes trains and automobiles kind of week thus far, after my flight from London was cancelled and I was left sorting out the Eurostar to Paris, before the train strike shut down service!  

But, it's cleared up on the coast, the ride-to's are here and dirty, and we're ready for whatever comes next... to be continued.

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MIKE 'THE BIKE'; THE SKETCH

Mike Hailwood aboard his Sports Motor Cycles Ducati 900SS at his big comeback race, the 1978 Isle of Man Formula One TT

You might have caught motoring artist Paul Chenard at last year's Goodwood Revival marketplace; he typically specializes in sports/racing cars from the 1930s-60s.  As with many 'car guys', he has a secret love of motorcycles too, and sent this pastel drawing of Mike Hailwood's legendary comeback win at the 1978 Isle of Man TT on his Ducati 900ss.  

Behind the GT Class-winning N.A.R.T. Ferrari GTO, Luigi Chinetti chats strategy with Phil Hill. In the background is the race-winning 250 TRI/61 of Jo Bonnier and Lucien Bianchi.

Paul, how about an older racing motorcycle to test your motor-sketch skills?  If you want to stick to Italian, the supercharged Gilera 'Rondine' winning the 1935 Tripoli GP would do nicely!

Luigi Fagioli en route to winning the 1935 Monaco GP in his Mercedes W25

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VINTAGE RACING HEROES

The remains of an AJS K7 350cc OHC.  How do they look when finished?  Check here.

As generations of motorcycle collectors grow up, hoard machines, and finally pass to earth, the metal gems which so attracted them, their 'precious', those not ground to dust by the constant churn of oxidation, spousal disgust, familial ignorance, or simple forgetting, become available once again, emerging to light like long-abducted children, blinking at the glare of publicity and the passage of time, worse for their journey but still recognizable.

A Norton International M30, awaiting rescue

The least of these motorcycles never recovers from the neglect of decades, and carry on disintegrating in situ, or simply head to the skip.  The best of them - recognizable heroes, stiff and rusting in their armor - will be resurrected with the mingled application of time and treasure.

King of the auction, the stunning and very rare British Anzani 8-valve 1098cc  motor, ca.1924, waiting for a McEvoy chassis!

We may decry or delight in rising motorcycle values, depending on which side of the auction hammer we sit, but the simple truth is, the scent of lucre has drawn yet more intrigued collectors to the party, and all thoughts of economic uncertainty scatter before the undeniable reality of the Rare and Collectible.  The bottom line; if that pile of rust has a sexy history, it Will be restored.

The AJS K7, loosely assembled, and all the more evocative for being so

And so, I present a few long-lost Heroes, returned for the consideration of the motorcycling public, blinking in the light after a long confinement, waiting to become what they once were, and should be again.

The timing chest of the AJS K7, showing the Weller blade tensioner which made the simple chain-drive OHC system possible

These machines will be sold at the Bonhams 'Banbury Run' auction in Oxford on June 15th.  Oh, how I would love that Anzani 8-Valve motor!

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