Page 24 - Complete DR-November 20

BACK IN THE DAY……..#3 (continued)

Trumpet Tragics.

Harley-Davidson felt threatened enough to apply to the US Tariff Commission for a 40% tax on imported
motorcycles, which was knocked back because it was deemed to be a restrictive trade practice. The Triumph v.
Harley trade war even made it onto the silver screen (most probably co-incidental rather than causal) in the
movie “The Wild One” in 1953 by Colombia Pictures. “The Wild One” is now a cult classic but it was made as a
budget B-grader in 1953, casting being determined by not only having the ability to ride a motorcycle but also
owning a suitable ‘bike to ride in the movie. Marlon Brando starred as “Johnny”, the leader of the Black Rebels
outlaw gang and he rode his own ‘bike, a 1950 Triumph 6T Thunderbird 650. His gang all rode British imports
while the opposing gang, The Beetles, all rode Harleys and were led by Lee Marvin.

He can be seen in the movie doing donuts
on his 1950 Matchless G9’ with the
slightest of customizing he matched the
tank badge (screw in) with the first initial of
his Christian name, as per diagram.

So if the Wild One couldn’t get it right with
British bikes what hope did a 3y.o. have?

PS. I know this to be a true story because
Keith Woyle told me.
The Disgraceful Diarist

These 3 helmets have been graciously

donated to the club by David Sutton and
Mary so we have spares for events such as
the Oatley Fair.

24 | The magazine of the St George Sutherland Branch of the Ulysses Club