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| Herb Harris atop the most famous motorcycle in the world. (Click image to enlarge) |
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In addition to motorcycles, Harris has amassed the most complete collection of engine cutaways extant. The stationary powerplants—ingeniously machined to expose the inner workings of engine and gearbox—were a popular fixture at motorcycle shows and dealer showrooms of their day. Harris even managed to acquire a complete, sectioned BSA Gold Star; its platform conceals two electric motors that turn the engine, spin the wheels, and even articulate the cutaway suspension. Other collectibles include trophies, literature, and period parts and accessories pertaining to the golden age of British motorcycling. Of special interest are documents and drawings from the Vincent archives, including some of Phil Vincent’s first designs and the very contract that conveyed ownership of HRD to the young entrepreneur.
Despite their rarity, none of Harris’ motorcycles are static objects. Saturday morning, I emerged from the comfortable apartment situated above the gallery and joined Harris and Tony Temple, the collection’s caretaker. Temple is one of very few mechanics who specializes in the intricate and eccentric Vincent powerplants. Temple is also the chief mechanic for Harris’ company, Harris Vincent Gallery, which sells Vincents and other classic motorcycles and collectibles to a narrow coterie of enthusiasts worldwide.
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| The Harris Vincent Gallery is a comfortable space for contemplating Britain's best rolling stock. Also on exhibit is a selection of Harris' many engine cutaways that form an astonishing collection in their own right. (Click image to enlarge) |
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The day began with bringing a most auspicious engine to life. The Bathing Suit Bike had been wheeled from its place of honor into the driveway, and looked
so very anachronistic parked in front of Harris’ daily driver, an Aston Martin Vanquish. (Note that Harris also prefers his GMC pickup over a tarted-up SUV.) A quick spin of the rear wheel brought the racer to life, and what a sound I heard. "It’s pretty exciting stuff, isn’t it?" asked Harris. I was inspired; no other motorcycle exhaust, except a bevel-drive Ducati equipped with Conti pipes, is as exciting. The motor is ungodly loud but full of character, and Harris knew I wanted to ride.
I was thankful that my invitation extended beyond an opportunity to look, touch, and listen. We shut down the racer, and I began my travel back in time with an excursion on the second oldest Vincent in the collection, a 1937 TT Replica. The Series A single was a racing version of the Comet Special, and the small bike was the perfect way to acclimatize oneself with the Vincent machines. I followed Harris on his 1955 Black Prince through some lovely Austin neighborhoods, with sweeping roads and an undulating green landscape dotted with homes. Within a couple of miles, I got into a groove on the ancient Vincent. Light and nimble, the sprightly senior amply demonstrated why riders enjoy such early machines.
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