We fade to grey (and silver)

I had to go to a couple of shops this morning in our local small town centre, and when I returned to the car, I was stopped in my tracks by this sight of around 10 cars parked up in line - all silver, or a shade of grey (including my own).

How bland have things got? I used to own a maroon Triumph Vitesse convertible and an Escort van painted sky blue with a dark blue Starsky and Hutch stripe painted down each flank. My dad's Cortinas were metal flake lime green and brown with added vinyl roof decadence. Nowadays it seems that unless you buy a red Ferrari, it's 'any colour you like sir, as long as it's silver or grey'..

'32 Junior Sport

This fantastic unrestored bike might be JAP-engined, but apart from that it's made in Italy all the way. There's a fascinating story behind this bike and the marque, which was based in Livorno where I used to live. There'll be an article in the mag as soon as I get out there again to shoot it properly.

Living out someone else's dream

That was a lyric to a song that I now don't remember the title of, but I reckon Matt at Machine has this life thing sussed. Check out his beautiful Mk1 Le Mans special soon in Issue Four, and watch his film below for a taste of a good life.

MACHINE from matt machine on Vimeo.

Issue Four cover

It's on its way...

Chopworks Guzzi Chop

My brother Guy at Greasy Kulture magazine put me onto this one - built by Frankino at Chopworks, Italy - and the more I've looked at it the last few days, the more I like it. It's not easy to hardtail a Guzzi frame - shaft drive just doesn't facilitate it like chain drive - but in this case it's worked really well, and I respect anyone who gives it a go.

Pics via the great MotArt journal blog here

Band practice

Seen on DicE blog, from Cycle Zombies blog

Bye Bye Bert Jansch

One of my favourite guitarists, Bert Jansch, died yesterday. He was truly unique (ask Jimmy Page why) and I was fortunate to have seen him play live twice. He alone has made me play more acoustic than electric guitar over the last few years. See why here: