Classic TransferPROJECT CUSTOM VINCENT RALLY 500 Malle London kindly asked us to make some custom gold/black outline Vincent decals for The Great Malle Rally 2024. Classic TransferPROJECT ORIGIN – 1901 ROYAL ENFIELD Royal Enfield showcased a major centre-piece of their 120 anniversary celebration projects today with the unveiling of ‘Project Origin’, a faithful working replica of the brand’s very first ‘motor-bicycle’. This was the very machine that built the foundations upon which Royal Enfield has based their enduring legacy of ‘Pure Motorcycling’. The conception of ‘Project Origin’ came about after a challenge was laid down to the Royal Enfield design and engineering teams by Gordon May, Royal Enfield’s in-house historian, during a historical presentation to celebrate the brand’s 120th anniversary. Part of the presentation focused on the very first prototype Royal Enfield motor-bicycle that was developed all theway back in 1901 by Frenchman Jules Gobiet, working hand-in-hand with Royal Enfield’s co-founder and chief designer, Bob Walker Smith. As the infant motorcycle industry was not sufficiently well established to have its own dedicated exhibition, the prototype was consequently displayed at the Stanley Cycle Show in London, in November 1901. This was the very first time any two-wheeled engine-powered Royal Enfield had ever been displayed to the public. Classic Transfers was tasked with re-designing the artwork for the original transfer that we believe went on the tank and then screen printing the waterslide transfers. All that remained were a few period photographs, some promotional advertisements and a couple of illustrated news articles from 1901 that gave some basic graphic clues and information as to how the motor-bicycle would have looked and might have functioned. Classic TransferPROJECT FERRARI Two adventurous brothers decided to capitalise on their, relatively common, surname in the 1950s, and produce a 125cc and 150cc, single-cylinder two stroke machine with a two speed gearbox in, surprise surprise, Ferrari red. It proved extremely popular as customers assumed that the mercurial Enzo Ferrari had branched out into motorcycle manufacture. The inevitable eventually happened and Enzo took the Ferrari brothers to court and sued them for miss-using his company name, and won. Forthwith, they must clearly state Fratelli Ferrari (Ferrari Brothers) and never use Enzo’s prancing horse logo again. They continued until the late 1950s then folded. Survivors are extremely scarce with the Ferrari badged bikes being the most collectable. Classic TransferPROJECT 1939 MILLER BALSAMO 200 CARENTA The 1939 Miller-Balsamo 200 Carenata is a rare and stunning example of Italian motorcycle design, blending the Streamline Moderne aesthetic with innovative engineering. Its unibody aluminum construction and aerodynamic curves exemplify the sleek, futuristic design of the era, inspired by Italian Futurism. The motorcycle features a 196cc two-stroke engine, producing 7hp, and unique design elements like a fully enclosed frame and fold-away passenger footrests. Key Points: Design & Engineering: The Carenata’s unibody frame integrates its aluminum body as a structural element, eliminating the need for a traditional frame. It has a 4-speed gearbox and innovative suspension systems, though it prioritizes form over function in ride quality. Historical Context: The Miller-Balsamo brand began in 1919, evolving from importing motorcycles to creating their own designs. The Carenata debuted in 1939, just before World War II, and represents the pinnacle of their streamlined motorcycles. Production of Miller-Balsamo motorcycles ended in 1959. Restoration Journey: John Goldman, a San Francisco-based architect and collector of Italian motorcycles and Streamline Moderne objects, purchased the Carenata in 2018 after seeing it at auction in Torino, Italy. It underwent extensive restoration, with its aluminum body meticulously repaired and painted in Porsche’s Amaranth red. Cultural Significance: The design may have been influenced by Italian Futurist artist William Rossi’s drawing Domani (Tomorrow). The motorcycle reflects a fascination with speed and modern technology characteristic of the era. Recognition: After restoration, the Carenata was displayed at the 2023 Quail Motorcycle Gathering, where it won Best of Show with unanimous votes from the judges, a rare honor. Classic TransferA Bantam Story A BANTAM STORYThe BSA Bantam, one of the Birmingham Small Arms Company’s most successful machines ever manufactured. Based on a prewar German DKW, this simple lightweight two-stroke was a roaring worldwide success for BSA. 1948 is the year it all started with the Rigid Frame Bantam D1. Featuring a 58mm stroke with 52mm bore, it produced a 123cc modest engine and 3-speed gearbox. For the novice motorcyclist, this distinctive and small capacity machine was the perfect first choice. By the end of 1948, the U.K.’s General Post Office (GPO) started purchasing thousands of Bantams and using them as cost effective and economical transport for their telegram delivery service. You would often see these little red roosters on streets and pavements all over the country. They were finished in the famous Post Office Red. Featuring King George VI royal crest on the tank, GPO transfers on the Legshields, BSA Garter Rifles on the toolbox, Pilled arms on Rear No. Plate Bracket, Tyre pressure transfers on the mudguards and some fitted with a first aid box. Later versions had Queen Elizabeth II’s crest on the tank instead and a revised Garter Rifles as BSA changed their company name from B.S.A. Cycles to B.S.A. Motor Cycles Ltd in late 1953. By the 1950s the model began to evolve, now offering a plunger frame, and larger capacity models, BSA aimed to compete against the sea of Villiers two-stroke rivals. It wasn’t too long before riders were looking for more power and so their focus turned to increasing their engines capacity and this first came with the 148cc Bantam D3. Available in two road options and competition models offering either rigid or plunger frame with heavier front forks on all D3 versions. By late 1957, it was back to the drawing board for the design team in the never ending race to increase engine capacity. A failed attempt at increasing a longer stroke which resulted in stronger torque but terrible vibration lead to the solution, a plan to increase the bore size and a re-design of the bottom end. The result was the D5 (Major) with an engine displacement of 174cc and top speed nearly of 60mph.
