Llangollen in mid-Wales is world famous for the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that carries the Llangollen canal over the River Dee valley. The aqueduct is indeed a superb testament to the UK’s amazing industrial heritage. But it is not the only nod to the achievements of our forefathers in the area: Tucked away, down a bumpy riverside lane you will find the Llangollen Motor Museum.
Historic Setting
Housed in an old former industrial building, which itself probably has a tale to tell, the collection can only really be described as eclectic. ‘Flat-tank’ British motorcycles are rubbing shoulders with a 21st century superbike…the legendary Honda Fireblade for example. An early ‘Hinckley’ Triumph was good to see too.
Honda Fireblade – Note the E Type Jaguar and Alfa Romeo tucked in behind
Not Just Bikes
There is more to here than just motorcycles though as the this a transport collection. So cars, automotive memorabilia and even the world’s oldest caravan that can be towed by a car are on display. Some of the cars themselves are fantastic too: They range from V8 Alfa Romeos to rather more mainstream classics such as Jaguar, MG and Triumph. Well worth a visit in their own rite.
Returning to the motorcycles now: Don’t expect to be greeted by a pristine display in the manner of say The National Motorcycle Museum or The Sammy Miller Collection. No, the collection is laid out in a manner more like if was somebody’s huge personal ‘Man cave’, slightly chaotic. Many bikes do look like a bit of TLC would not go amiss, but many are presented in great order. We all have our favourites I suppose. However, they are no less interesting to behold, arguably more so! More representative of how they were used and stored in ‘real-life’ rather than perhaps the overly formal setting of a prestige museum.
Many brands were represented; BSA, Triumph, Norton and Royal Enfield are still familiar names today, but others such as Rudge Whitworth, New Imperial, Dot, are largely unknown in the modern age, certainly outside the enthusiast world.
1959 BSA 500
Norton Commando
Neat Cafe Racer
Dot. Anybody know what it stands for?
1935 New Imperial
Sunbeam
Harley Davidson Sportster
Velocette. A brand that I’m surprised has not been resurrected yet
Ariel 3…Not their finest offering
Very cool WW2 era HD
1928 Rudge Whitworth. 500cc
Feeling Old
As is increasingly the case these days, a museum has an example of a bike I once owned. Makes me feel old! This isn’t too surprising as I am heading towards my 60th year. In this case is a 1982 Suzuki GS550E. The one on display was even in the same colour. Mine was in better nick. I ran it for about a year in the late 1980’s. Special bike for me as it was the first one I rode to the IoM back in 1987.
Suzuki GS550E – Now and then. Yes, I have gone to seed somewhat
The whole collection is surrounded automotive and motorcycle related memorabilia; enamel signs, models, old garage equipment etc. The museum is a proper Aladdin’s cave. I loved it. You can just imagine coming across Henry Cole rummaging around in here trying find accoutrement (as he puts it) to buy.
Put it on Your Ride-Out Route
Overall then a really fascinating collection and very well worth the £5 entry fee. Put it on the list of places to take in while on a ride-out in the area.
Words and Pictures: Tony Donnelly