|
Classic Spagthorpe: Afghan |
| 350cc twingle, 50 degree sloper, only known five speed
Sturmey Archer-style gearbox. First motorcycle known to have air-intake filtration. OHC racer
made specifically for desert use and run by Tazi Levrier in the Montauban Lac Rose race, 1926.
Alas, the Afghan (SKC 410) logged a DNF (Shattered Arbuthnot mechanism) while in third place
behind an unknown Morrocan made motorcycle and a center-hub steered ABC. Race logs note that
even though a DNF, the Afghan did technically take third as eventually all the vehicles
involved in the race suffered mechanical failures or accidents. (Note: The race was revived
in 1979, starting farther North in Paris). It is alleged though not documented that an Afghan
also ran in the doomed Budapest to Cairo Overland Race (1926), though it is confirmed that an
Afghan (Engine Number SKC 418) ran in the Marrakesh Tourista Trophy (1927) in a final
appearance by the legendary W.H. Bashall. (DNF: Cracked radial lobe).
D. M. Spector |
