by Luke Voogt
Brendan O’Neill’s pride and joy, a Vincent C-Series 1000cc motorbike, will be among 450 of the “world’s greatest motoring machines” at Torquay next Sunday.
“They stopped manufacturing them in 1955,” the Belmont local told the Independent.
“They were the world’s fastest standard motorcycle you could buy over the counter for a long time. They win lots of races in the classic road racing scene.”
The 57-year-old realised a long-time dream when he bought the two-wheeled beast secondhand about 30 years ago and lovingly restored it.
“I always had an interest in classic bikes,” he said.
Brendan grew up in Marshall riding classic British motorbikes in the paddock, he said.
“It was all farms back then. Now it’s pretty much all housing.”
The Vincent will join more than 450 cars and motorbikes on display for the 2020 Torquay Motor Show on February 9.
Brendan, a long-time entrant of classic motoring shows, enjoyed the comradery of such events.
“It’s just the common interests with the enthusiasts that are out there doing it,” he said.
The event supports the volunteer work of Torquay Rotary, with the club this year celebrating a pioneering Australian motoring family.
“We continue with our concept of themes this year, with a focus on the Hallam family,” organiser Gary Grant said.
Frank Hallam was visionary engineer who built racing cars for Australian Formula One champion Sir Jack Brabham in the ’60s.
The show would feature a rare and valuable 1968 BT31 V8 Repco Brabham racing car in celebration of Hallam and his family’s achievements, Gary said.
“This year’s line-up includes some of the world’s greatest motoring machines, many of which you have never been seen at close proximity or in this part of the world before.”
