I can't explain

Can anyone tell me why the prices of bevel Ducatis have got completely insane in the last three years or so?

'51 Fiat Topolino Barchetta Corsa part 2 - Issue Two

Though I haven't got words to describe this man's incredible skills, it has taken two articles in two issues of Italian Motor to explain how and why my good friend Loreno built this car - second part in Issue Two out in just a couple of weeks.


I wish you could all come and meet Loreno and spend some time in his home workshop. And I wish I was back under that Tuscan light.

V Twin rally ramblings

Set up my stall at the annual V Twin rally yesterday in Fordingbridge. Up at 6am, home by 11pm so tiring but worth it, mainly to see and chat with friends, sell the mag and meet new people. I'm not really one for camping unless it's on a warm Mediterranean isle but last camped at the V Twin in 1993, so I was taken aback by how few older bikes there were, mainly Guzzis, and some Ducatis.

Thanks to Jay and John for giving me a hand - sorry Jay about the wrecked steering lock - and Richard for putting their great bikes near the mag stand, and good to meet Nick and see all the Bristol boys, Joe and Bedwyr included. Jay impressed everyone by having the first 1973 V7 Sport to have sat-nav fitted - mad!!

Spannering solitude on the Guzzi special

I just don't get time to work on my bikes, and I miss it. Today I had a good few hours to mess around with my Le Mans special, and try out a few things, and it felt really good. Just me, the radio and my tools.

Issue Two is on its way!!

Yep, it's on its way, slightly delayed. More decent photography and words on motors from Italy. 

I hope to be posting out to subscribers the second week of September. 

I haven't even got the excuse that the dog (or even my 9 month-old daughter) ate my homework...

Riding in the '57 Ferrari..

A short clip of a half hour ride I had..

Wonder if they're still there?

If you read Issue One of the mag you'll have seen the spread of various sheds, garages, damp basements and shacks I've nosed around in and photographed in Italy over the years. This was one of the best - it belonged to Ivo, who used to sell agricultural machinery and motorcycles. This single garage of several he had was stuffed with about 25 bikes and scooters in it, and many were very original and desirable 175cc machines; MV, Mondial, Beta and Mi-Val. I tried to buy something off him sometimes but he insisted that someone had to come and buy the whole lot in block, and I just didn't have the money, let alone the storage space. I took this photo about 7 years ago, so wonder if it's all still there. I'll make enquiries next time I'm there, just in case...