Classic Racer Magazine – Summer 1982

John Surtees | Vincent Grey Flash | John Player Norton | Husqvarna | Ducati | Suzuki | Isle of Man TT

Original Summer 1982 edition of Classic Racer Magazine, published as a Classic Bike Special, featuring historic motorcycle racing, legendary riders, classic racing machines, restoration projects and Isle of Man TT history.

This vintage British motorcycle publication contains a fascinating selection of articles and period photographs covering some of the most celebrated motorcycles and competitors in racing history.

The magazine is particularly interesting for enthusiasts of Vincent, Norton, Ducati, Husqvarna, Suzuki and historic motorcycle competition.

Magazine Details

• Publication: Classic Racer

• Edition: Summer 1982

• Publication Date: Summer 1982 (no specific day stated)

• Publisher: EMAP National Publications Ltd

• Country: United Kingdom

• Language: English

• Original Cover Price: £1.30

• Format: Printed motorcycle magazine

• Special Edition: Classic Bike Special

• Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition

• SKU: 1601

Front Cover – John Surtees on the Vincent Grey Flash

The front cover features a striking period action photograph of legendary British motorcycle and Formula One world champion John Surtees riding a 500cc Vincent Grey Flash racing motorcycle.

The photograph captures Surtees in a classic racing position, leaning forward over the motorcycle with his body positioned low above the fuel tank.

He wears traditional dark racing leathers, gloves, goggles and a light-coloured open-face helmet.

The Vincent racing machine is prominently displayed, revealing its exposed engine, distinctive frame arrangement, racing handlebars, front suspension and period mechanical components.

The photograph provides an excellent view of the motorcycle's traditional racing construction.

According to the magazine's contents page, the cover photograph was taken at Brands Hatch in 1981 by Robert Martin of All-Sport.

The image is especially appealing to collectors interested in John Surtees, Vincent motorcycles and British racing history.

The front cover also advertises several major features:

Track Test – John Player Norton

An examination of a historic Norton racing motorcycle.

Husqvarna V-Twins

A feature exploring the unusual Husqvarna V-twin racing machines.

Desmo Ducatis

Coverage of Ducati's early desmodromic racing motorcycles.

Suzuki's First Four

An article examining an important early Suzuki racing motorcycle.

John Surtees: My TT Lines

A feature focusing on Surtees and the racing techniques associated with the Isle of Man TT.

Featured Articles & Contents

The photographed contents page provides an extensive overview of the magazine.

Page 6 – Hattle and the Gilera

A historical feature about the Gilera racing motorcycle and the rider associated with its racing career.

The article explores an interesting chapter in classic motorcycle competition.

Page 8 – Taming Suzuki's 250 Square Four

A feature examining Suzuki's unusual 250cc square-four racing machine.

The article discusses the motorcycle's distinctive engine configuration and the challenges associated with riding and developing such a machine.

An interesting feature for collectors of Suzuki racing history and early Japanese Grand Prix motorcycles.

Page 14 – Taglioni's First Desmos

An article exploring Ducati's early 125cc racing motorcycles equipped with desmodromic valve gear.

The feature is particularly relevant to enthusiasts of Fabio Taglioni, Ducati engineering and the development of the manufacturer's racing technology.

Page 21 – Are You Eligible?

A feature discussing eligibility requirements for historic motorcycle racing.

Useful period information for enthusiasts interested in classic racing regulations and competition.

Page 24 – John Surtees: My TT Lines

One of the magazine's principal articles.

John Surtees discusses six lines associated with his winning riding techniques around the Isle of Man Mountain Course.

This is a particularly interesting historical feature because Surtees remains one of motorsport's most significant competitors, having achieved world championship success on both two wheels and four.

The article provides a period perspective on racing techniques and the challenges of the legendary TT circuit.

Page 32 – Racer Restoration

A restoration feature concerning a 1927 Rex-Acme racing motorcycle.

The article follows a historic machine that may have been associated with Wal Handley's Isle of Man racing career.

An appealing feature for collectors interested in early British racing motorcycles, restoration and pre-war competition history.

Page 36 – Grief Jenkins

An article about a rider remembered for his distinctive short-circuit racing style during the 1960s.

The feature looks back at an individual associated with an important period of British motorcycle competition.

Page 38 – Georg Auerbacher

Coverage of German sidecar racer Georg Auerbacher competing at Oulton Park.

The article provides an interesting insight into international sidecar racing and historic racing machinery.

Page 40 – Mike Hailwood

A feature about legendary motorcycle racer Mike Hailwood, illustrated with a photograph taken during the 1967 Senior TT.

An important inclusion for collectors interested in Hailwood's career and the history of the Isle of Man TT.

Page 42 – Track Analysis: John Player Norton

An examination of the John Player Norton racing motorcycle.

The feature explores the machine and its place in 750cc racing history.

This is one of the magazine's key attractions for Norton enthusiasts and collectors of British racing motorcycles.

Page 50 – World of Classic Racing

A section containing news and photographs from international vintage and classic motorcycle racing.

An interesting contemporary record of the historic racing scene in 1982.

Page 52 – Husqvarna's Fighting Vees

A feature about Husqvarna V-twin racing motorcycles and their competition against Norton machines during the 1930s.

The article explores an unusual part of European motorcycle racing history.

Page 58 – How to Start Historic Racing

A four-page introductory guide explaining how enthusiasts could become involved in historic motorcycle competition.

This provides an interesting snapshot of the classic racing scene during the early 1980s.

Page 62 – Sideways with the Snarling Beast

A feature involving Chris Chant and a Vincent racing outfit.

The article focuses on the experience of competing with a powerful classic sidecar racing machine.

An appealing feature for Vincent enthusiasts and collectors of historic sidecar racing material.

Page 66 – 99% Original

A feature examining two Manx Norton motorcycles.

The article highlights the importance of originality and the standards associated with restoring historic racing machinery.

Particularly relevant to collectors and restorers of Norton racing motorcycles.

Page 69 – Spare That Racer!

A practical feature about keeping historic racing motorcycles operational through careful maintenance and the use of spare parts.

Page 70 – Maintaining a G50

A technical feature about maintaining a Matchless G50 racing motorcycle.

The article discusses the reputation of these machines and the practical considerations involved in keeping them running.

An interesting inclusion for collectors of Matchless racing history.

Page 74 – The Last Lap

A closing feature involving Rob Iannucci and Dave Roper, looking at historic racing activity across the Atlantic.

The article provides an international perspective on classic motorcycle racing.

Motorcycle Manufacturers & Racing Machines Featured

The photographed cover and contents identify a particularly strong selection of historic racing motorcycles, including:

• Vincent Grey Flash 500cc

• John Player Norton

• Manx Norton

• Suzuki 250cc Square Four

• Ducati 125cc Desmo

• Husqvarna V-twin

• Gilera racing motorcycles

• Rex-Acme racing motorcycle

• Matchless G50

• Historic Vincent sidecar racing outfit

These machines represent several important eras of motorcycle racing, from pre-war British competition to post-war Grand Prix racing and the historic racing revival of the early 1980s.

Famous Riders & Motorsport Personalities

The issue includes coverage of several significant figures in motorcycle racing history.

John Surtees: Featured prominently on the cover and in an article discussing his Isle of Man TT riding techniques.

Mike Hailwood: Remembered through a feature featuring the 1967 Senior TT.

Fabio Taglioni: Associated with the development of Ducati's early desmodromic racing motorcycles.

Georg Auerbacher: Featured in connection with German sidecar racing.

Chris Chant: Featured alongside a Vincent sidecar racing outfit.

Dave Roper and Rob Iannucci: Featured in the magazine's international historic racing coverage.

The combination of these personalities makes this an interesting period publication for enthusiasts researching motorcycle racing history.

Interior Photography & Presentation

The photographed contents page demonstrates the magazine's traditional early-1980s editorial presentation.

It features black-and-white motorcycle photographs, technical imagery and historical racing photographs.

Visible illustrations include classic racing motorcycles photographed together, close-up mechanical details and historic motorcycle components.

The contents page also provides clear page references for the principal articles.

The magazine uses a straightforward editorial layout with bold headings and informative article descriptions.

Its combination of racing history, technical discussion and vintage photography makes it appealing as both reading material and a reference publication.

Condition – Important Information

This is an original vintage magazine from Summer 1982 and is over 40 years old.

The magazine is pre-owned and shows visible signs of age, handling and storage.

Front Cover

The front cover retains its original John Surtees photograph, large red Classic Racer masthead and printed feature headlines.

The artwork remains clearly visible, with generally strong colour reproduction for its age.

There is visible surface rubbing and light scuffing, particularly across the darker areas of the cover.

Some age-related discolouration and toning are apparent.

The upper edge shows minor wear, with a slight bend or crease near the top-right corner.

There is also visible wear along the right-hand edge and at the lower corners.

Spine

The spine shows signs of age and handling, including light rubbing and wear along the fold.

The magazine appears to remain together in the supplied photographs.

Interior Pages

The photographed contents page is generally clean and clearly legible.

The original black-and-white photographs, printed headings and page numbers remain visible.

There is some age-related yellowing or toning to the paper, particularly around the edges.

Minor page curvature and handling wear are visible.

No major tears are apparent on the photographed contents page.

Overall Condition

Good vintage pre-owned condition, with visible age-related wear.

The magazine is not new or mint.

Please carefully examine the supplied photographs for the most accurate representation of the cover, corners, spine and interior condition.

Only the photographed pages have been examined, so the condition of every individual page cannot be guaranteed.

Important – Original Extras Not Included

Any original free gifts, promotional items, loose supplements, inserts or other accessories that may originally have accompanied the magazine are no longer included.

This sale is for the magazine itself only.

No additional items are included unless clearly shown as part of the magazine.

Packaging & Shipping

The magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Dispatched in a protective cardboard mailer-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

Collector Interest

This original Summer 1982 edition of Classic Racer is particularly suitable for collectors interested in:

• John Surtees memorabilia

• Vincent Grey Flash racing motorcycles

• Isle of Man TT history

• John Player Norton racing motorcycles

• Mike Hailwood memorabilia

• Ducati Desmo racing history

• Suzuki Grand Prix motorcycles

• Husqvarna V-twin racing machines

• Manx Norton and Matchless G50 motorcycles

• British motorcycle racing history

• Historic motorcycle restoration

• Vintage motorcycle magazines and period publications

An appealing early-1980s motorcycle racing publication featuring an excellent selection of legendary riders, historic machinery and period technical articles.

Original Classic Racer Magazine – Summer 1982 – Classic Bike Special – SKU 1601.