Ed Youngblood's Motohistory

Motohistory Quiz #65: We have a winner! (3/31/2009)

De La Soul Is Not Dead: How They Stayed Innovative On Their First ...

In terms of response, this was one of the most interesting quizzes we've done. I knew I would not fool the Vincent experts, but I did not expect to be overwhelmed by dozens of quick answers, most of which were correct. The first was from Lindsay Brooke, who identified our quiz picture as the Vincent Amanda just three minutes, 59 seconds after I sent out my Motohistory Update Notification. Brooke, from Plymouth, Michigan, is the co-author of “Triumph in America” and also has published an article about the Vincent Amanda.

Lindsay Brooke's Account on Vincent Amanda

The rather neglected looking hull in the photo is a Vincent Amanda water scooter. The first and only Amanda I've ever seen was hanging from the rafters at Ken Grzesiak's British Only parts emporium in Michigan in 1990. The craft was complete but needing a full restoration. When I asked Ken about it, he told me that a few weeks before a British gentleman named Roy Smith had visited British Only and said he'd helped design the Amanda. Ken gave me a copy of Smith's business card—he was manager of diesel engineering at General Motors in Detroit. I contacted him immediately and we arranged a lunch.

Roy Smith's Contribution and the Birth of the Amanda

He arrived with a stack of original photos showing various Amanda components and technical drawings, as well as illustrations of the three-wheeled car conceived by Vincent. There were also photos of Smith and his colleagues in the Vincent drafting department at Stevenage. As Smith told me the story, the Amanda was produced by Vincent in 1957 and ‘58 after the company had ended production of its famous V-twin motorcycles. Amanda was the world's first “personal watercraft”—the predecessor to today's JetSkis and Wave Blasters. It was named for the daughter of British businessman E. Werner, who brought the concept to Philip Vincent. The forward-thinking Vincent sensed the opportunity and assembled a team to develop the craft.

The Innovative Design and Tragic Misfortune of the Amanda

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No doubt when Vincent considered Werner's idea, he envisioned another potential outlet for his company's new two-stroke industrial engines, the T10 (100cc single) and T20 (200cc twin). These engines were already gaining popularity with various industries and adapting them to the marine environment involved developing a 'log' prop drive unit. The Amanda featured a unique throttle/steering linkage and a two-piece molded fiberglass hull, constructed using innovative techniques of the time. However, the rush to market led to a critical oversight: the thermal instability of the polyester resin used in the hull. The tragic failure of the hull material during a U.S. demonstration not only sunk the Amanda but also the public image of Vincent's latest sporting machine.

The Vincent Amanda Legacy

Though the Amanda concept was indeed ahead of its time, the lack of thorough testing before market release led to its downfall. Today, Amandas in "water-worthy" condition are rare treasures. Lindsay Brooke's detailed account, alongside insights from various Vincent experts, paints a story of innovation marred by tragedy—a poignant chapter in the storied history of Vincent motorcycles.

Abraxas Bultaco: A memoir in celebration of Bultaco's Golden Anniversary

By Jeff Thompson and Sean Ahern as told to Karen Kentosh

The Agnes Irwin School Annual Report of Giving 2022-23 by The ...

In 1971, a trio of young Ohio men embarked on a Great Road Trip that turn their lives towards a shared vision. As they gazed upon the beauty of Crater Lake, inspiration struck—they would fuse their passion for dirt bikes into a concrete dream and open a motorcycle shop. Thus was born the Abraxas Bultaco franchise, flourishing throughout 1970s, offering exotic Spanish Bultacos to an eager American public.

The Humble Beginnings and Height of Abraxas

The choice location neared the Honda Hills motocross track, an area buzzing with dirt bike enthusiasm. The novel shop embraced the open road spirit, resonating with the carefree ethos of the era. But as the industry evolved, the rise of Japanese motorcycles signalled a shift. Despite stiff competition, the Abraxas experience—a journey marked by friendship, innovation, and an indelible passion for motorcycling—remains a nostalgic chapter in Ohio's motoring lore.

Remembering Red and Helen Wolverton's Excellent Adventure

In celebration of speed and endurance, we look back at Charles “Red” Wolverton's glorious riding career, highlighted by his record-breaking run on a special-built Ace. Later, he lovingly recollects the long-distance ride he shared with his wife, Helen, aboard a Harley-Davidson equipped with an experimental engine. Reflecting on challenges, camaraderie, and contentment, their journey embodies the indomitable spirit of the motorcycle adventurer.

The Two-Stroke Engine: A Short Review of a Long Evolution

The history of two-stroke engine development is a testament to innovation, from the pioneering experiments by Alfred Angas Scott to the modern achievements of Walter Kaaden's dynamic gas flow engines. This chronicle outlines the five significant evolutionary steps, each marking progress towards the high-performance, efficient two-strokes that we're familiar with today.

Abraxas Bultaco: The Ghost of Vintage Bultaco

A memoir capturing the adventurous spark that led three friends to establish the eccentric Abraxas Bultaco dealership. Their story threads together wild road trips, improbable business success, and a spirited embodiment of the 60s and 70s motorcycle culture. Even as the dealership faded, the lasting friendships and the domes that once housed their dreams stand as a nostalgic homage to their free-spirited venture.