Aermacchi, NSU, Velocette, Scott ... names from a golden era of motorcycling, crowned by the supremely exotic magic of Moto Guzzi. And where better to celebrate the glory days of these evocative machines than on the stamping ground that so many of them made famous (and vice versa!) - The Isle of Man TT. In 1996 Moto Guzzi marked their 75th anniversary by lining up for the prestigious Lap of Honour with their best representation on the Mountain Course since 1957. Heading the parade were the two magnificent '57 Guzzi V-8s ridden by the legendary Bill Lomas and Giuseppe Todero, son of Umberto, plus a host of other glorious classic solos and sidecars, revving to painfully exquisite levels. Elsewhere during this memorable fortnight enthusiasts could enjoy the VMCC Vintage Assembly plus a wealth of club rallies and get-togethers, as local and international riders gathered to recreate the halcyon days when leathers were black and you heard a motorcycle approach before you saw it! In this marvellous tribute to the golden days of motorcycling on the magic mountain, you can now see many of these rare machines in initmate close-ups and hear from the riders whose return to the Island heralded a vintage festival of memorable sights and sounds. We also take you for a nostalgic ride on-board Bill Lomas' V-8 Moto Guzzi, show you the early St Johns TT course on board a 1958 BSA Shooting Star outfit and experience a bone-shaking 1928 DOT Bradshaw.
|