New Imperial Motorcycles

New Imperial Owners Association club historian Chas Lipscombe has just finished an updated version of his definitive book on New Imperials. Chas wrote his original New Imperial Motorcycles the best part of 20 years ago and since then new information on the company and model history, technical details and model differences have all come to light, together with new photos and historical information.

So, Chas has updated his original book to give us the best of that book combined with all the latest information in one handy – and hefty – hardback volume.

The book is a limited edition of 500 copies and, at around 400 pages, is packed with plenty of pictures. It comprises three main sections; the first is a comprehensive chronological journey from 1901 to 1939 covering all known New Imperial models and derivatives, with clear identifying pictures and line drawings, details of model differences, numbers made, date spans for each model, technical details to help identify between years and models, sales brochure extracts and contemporaneous and recent comment.

The second section covers the history of New Imperial from its pre-Edwardian beginnings as Hearl & Tonks, through the driving leadership of Norman Downs, and the various entities of ‘The Imperial Cycle & Motor Co,’ ‘The Imperial Cycle Co,’ ‘The New Imperial Cycle Company Ltd’ to finally ‘New Imperial.’ Manufacturing moved from bicycles through to motorcycles and even cars, and Chas shows the history of the company through production detail and in relation to national and world history and key events.

The New Imp racing history is reviewed in detail with both works riders and privateers illustrated, and their feats and records discussed at length. There’s racing technical details on the Grand

Prix and TT racing bikes, and a close look at the infamous V-twin racers.

Meanwhile the third part of the book is a detailed appendix of frame, gearbox, engine and lubrication identification charts and information, together with an at-a-glance, through-the-years set of charts confirming which models were produced in which years, and to which specification. Altogether this is a one-stop shop for New Imp enthusiasts, and it’s also a fascinating slice through history as seen through the lens of a major British motorcycle manufacturer.

The original first edition was effectively the NIOA bible, so this edition is perhaps the NIOA New Testament! Anyway, it’s hopefully going to prove very helpful to New Imp association members, and to many others who share an interest in all things motorcycle, or who might be looking to be converted to the true path, or are just interested in reading about bikes.

And for those that can’t read, there’s some cracking pictures that they could colour in with their crayons.

Copies are available for £48 plus £6 UK postage (it does weigh the best part of 5lb!) from Andy Dean – chairman, New Imperial Owners Association, Keephatch Farmhouse, Clover Close, Wokingham, Berks RG40 5PU.

For payment details and more information, email andy@keephatch.net or give him a call on 07799 848914.