By Bill Cakebread

Features

- A unique record of an apprenticeship and working life in the British motorcycle industry
- Fascinating insight to the working practices of the motorcycle industry in the 1950s and 1960s
- Includes period photographs and rare documents relating to the Associated Motor Cycles Ltd factory at Plumstead
- Bill worked at the AMC factory from 1958 until 1966
- AMC manufactured Matchless and A.J.S. motorcycles

Description

A young Londoner had only one ambition in life – to work with motorcycles. That simple wish led to an apprenticeship that was to change Bill Cakebread's life forever as the training that Associated Motorcycles Limited provided enabled achievements that he never dreamed possible. This book gives a unique insight to the atmosphere and excitement of working in a motorcycle factory. It is an inspiring story, supported by a host of period photographs and rare documents, which provides a fascinating record of work within the British motorcycle industry in the final years of its decline into oblivion.

Synopsis

This is the inspiring story of how a young school-leaver with no academic qualifications and low expectations built a successful career based on an apprenticeship with Associated Motor Cycles Ltd, and eventually became Managing Director of his company.
It describes the very personal story of the ups and downs of factory life in the 1950s and 1960s. In particular, it conveys the unique atmosphere and excitement that surrounds the manufacture of motorcycles, an atmosphere that for those who have experienced it is like no other. The excellence of the training that was provided by the company enabled the writer to achieve far more than he ever anticipated.
The journey through the factory, starting with the lowliest of duties in the machine shops and ending as personal assistant to the top motorcycle designers of their time, is described in detail. It gives a rare insight into working practices within the different departments and the characters that were employed.
Supported by a host of period photographs and rare documents, it provides a unique record of work within the British motorcycle industry in the final years of its decline into oblivion.

Independent Reviews

"For anyone who has a fascination with the marques of AJS and Matchless, those fabled yarns from the days when the factory was in full swing serve to remind us of how our present day pride and joy was once created. The illustrations are a priceless record of the day ..." – AJS & Matchless Owners Club
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"A very interesting and easy read that I recommend to anyone with a sense of history and a passion for the British Motorcycle Industry." – VintageBike.co.uk
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"A really good read and a story long overdue in telling" – interbike.co.uk

Hardback • 128 pages • 250 tall x 207mm (97⁄8in tall x 81⁄8in) • 101 pictures, 30 in colour

ISBN: 978-1-84584-179-9