designbythereadingfish

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

VMCC Banbury Run 2012

Well I finally made it to Banbury after the third year of intention, and it was well worth it. Why? Well seeing that it's the largest veteran gathering in the world you can see why I was in my element. There were so many machines that I'd either been waiting to see or never even heard of before, it was just incredible to see so many wonderful machines 600 entries) gathered in one place, and for one sole purpose..... to be ridden.

1922 Wooler, 350cc

(digitally painted ink sketch)

Ridden by Robert Clark, this is a rare chain driven model and the only one known to the VMCC to have the optional earlier tank style. It was the unusual tank that initially drew me to this bike, but there are lots of other odd things going on too.

1912 / 13 ABC Brooklands 3 1/2 hp

(digitally painted ink sketch)

After seeing this bike at Stafford earlier this year I took the opportunity to sketch this fantastic Brooklands bike. Apparently the owner bought the engine from ebay and asked whether they had the frame, low and behold they did, and this early racer is now back out and about.

1913 Kynoch

(digitally painted ink sketch)

1923 Douglas TS/23

(ink sketch)

Last sketch of the day was of this prize winning Douglas. According the the programme the bike was bought for half a crown in 1936 by a doctor in WWII, and each issue of his petrol allowance is stamped in the logbook.

Here is a selection of the 600 entries, plus some other stuff of interest.

1913 Wall Autowheel

New Hudson Autocycle in the Autojumble

1922 Calthorpe Two Stroke

1917 Excelsior, American Army

All original paint.

1930 Gnome-Rhone, M1

1930 Frera R.C.

1914 Ixion, model A

1923 Nimbus model A

The Nimbus Company still exist making vacuum cleaners. 1200 of these model A machines were made and they were commonly known by the nickname "The Stovepipe"

1915 Harley Davidson 11F outfit

1922 Norton 16H Sports & Sidecar

1927 McEvoy JAP Outfit

1929 Beardmore Precision

1912 Triumph TT Roadster

1904 Rex 3hp

1925 Ner-A-Car model C

1913 Velocette model A

1924 Cotton, Blackburne in front of Rick's Rex Acme

1924 Montgomery Anzani V Twin

1903 Quadrant Banking Tricycle

Bond Mini Car (found in the car park)

Some of the sketches from this event can be found in my recently published Sketchbook of motorcycles which can be bought at my Big Cartel Store (Click Link Below)

http://martinsquiresautomotiveillustration.bigcartel.com/product/sketchbook-selections-vol-1

Friday, July 6, 2012

New T Shirts at 1000 Bike Mallory Park

I've just picked up 5 trial T Shirts from my friendly printer man which will be for sale at this weekends VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes at Mallory Park. Click the Image Below to go to my Big Cartel Store to order one or stop by my stall at Mallory and be one of the lucky first 5 to sport one of these lovely things.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO MY STORE

For more information on the 1000 Bikes Festival please

CLICK HERE

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Bristol Mini Day 2012

On a very windy and rainy day I visited Washingpool Farm at Easter Compton, on the day before Bristol Mini Day. There were still a fair few minis there as there was a run that afternoon.

Mini Cabriolet

(digitally painted ink sketch)

The Rover Mini Cabriolet was in production for 3 years, (1993-1996) and during this time only 1081 cars were built. They were all assembled by hand and were available in 3 colours (originally only 2 were available). These were Rover Caribbean Blue with grey hood and silver coachlines and Rover Nightfire Red with red hood and gold coachlines. During 1995, Rover British Racing Green with green hood and gold coachlines became available. Although 1081 were made, a small amount of these are still on British roads. Most have been exported to America or have been broken for spares, and a minority of those left in Britain are still in original condition.

Clubman with mister bean in the passenger seat

Shouldn't he have been in this one?

A tidy little pickup

woody

chopped estate

Mini Macros with what was described by the owner as an international colour scheme.

On the other extreme was this Daihatsu 4x4 with a mini body.

As you can see he had some fun with the local 4x4 club who were enjoying the weather.

Bumper sticker says it all.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Martin Squires Sketchbook Selection Vol 1: Motorcycles Available Now

Sketchbook Selections Vol 1: Motorcycles available now from my Big Cartel store:

Click Here or Image Above

Limited Edition of 100 signed and numbered

Here Are some of the pages:

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Bromley Pageant of Motoring 2012 Report

Bromley Pagent of motoring is a huge static car show held in the south of London. A huge range of vehicles turn up every year. More information on the show can be found here:

www.bromleypageant.co.uk

I had a great time sketching and looking at the amazing range of cars in attendance, here are the sketches and photos from the day.

1930 Le Salle, Model 328

(digitally painted ink sketch)

Only 1500 of these were produced in 1930 by Le Salle, the high end division of Cadillac. For a 1930 car this was the height of luxury with an electric self starter that was reliable, along with a synchromesh gearbox. With a flat head 4.6 litre V8 engine and a turning circle of 20 feet this truly is an American car. This restoration is immaculate with an incredible paint job. It is for sale for £42,000 ONO (contact markbowden1@hotmail.co.uk)

This mascot caught a lot of cameras lenses over the day.

1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer

(digitally painted ink sketch)

Fantastically low and long this was my first challenge of the day. I always enjoy drawing these incredible american cars, lots of chrome and a real challenge to fit on the page.

I think the back is about the same length as the front!

The Chrome continues on the inside with this impressive dash.

1960 Messerschmitt KR200

(digitally painted ink sketch)

After 2 large american cars I thought I'd balance out the day with this classic Messerschmitt. Made of course by the famous aeroplane manufacturer, it has elements of aeroplane design giving it some very nice curves, and great all round visibility provided by the cockpit.

Heinkel, Kabine / Trojan 200

Heinkel was a leading aeroplane manufacturer before WW2, after which they were banned from making planes. They went on to produce a scooter, followed by the Kabine or Cabin Scooter. Croydon's Trojan company took over manufacture in the 50s and 60s.

I was encouraged to come and have a look at the rear view of this Heinkel, so I braved the patriotic bunting and I'm glad I did.