About
Vintage Motorcycles on Display
From the Wobbly Bob Racing Motorcycle Collection
Step back into motorcycle racing history with four vintage machines from the Wobbly Bob Racing Motorcycle Collection, on display at the House of Manannan. These motorcycles span the late 1920s and early 1930s, and each has its own story, from international trials and Isle of Man TT links to careful restoration work that brought them back to life.
Scott Squirrel Flyer
500cc | Works Machine | 1928
This 500cc two-stroke twin-cylinder Scott Works machine was built at the Scott factory in Shipley in August 1928. It was one of three Scott motorcycles used in the 1928 International Six Days Trial (ISDT), ridden by C.H. Woods alongside team members Allan Jeffries and Walter Moore.
The bike also served as a reserve machine for the Scott team in the 1929 ISDT.
C.H. Woods later became known for his motorcycle films and TT coverage, producing TT films from the 1920s onwards and, later, creating the well-known Castrol TT films and the History of the TT series.
The motorcycle was acquired in poor condition in 2003 and underwent a detailed restoration completed in 2008. Since then, it has returned to the road and took part in the Vintage Motorcycle Club Banbury Run in 2009 and 2010.
Rudge Whitworth
500cc | 1929
This motorcycle comes from the collection of Bob "Wobbly Bob" Taylor and was ridden by Bob in the 2007 TT re-enactment event celebrating 100 years of TT racing on the Isle of Man.
Rudge motorcycles were built between 1911 and 1946 and gained a reputation for engineering advances and racing success. Their famous slogan was: "Rudge it, do not trudge it."
The company became known for innovations in engines and gearboxes and enjoyed strong success in the Isle of Man TT during the 1930s, with Rudge machines taking multiple podium places and race victories.
Sunbeam Model 9/90
500cc | 1930
This Sunbeam Model 9/90 was fully restored around 2010.
Sunbeam motorcycles developed a strong reputation for quality engineering and reliability, becoming one of Britain's respected motorcycle manufacturers during the early 20th century.
Sunbeam OV Flat Tank
500cc | 1928
This 500cc overhead valve flat tank Sunbeam represents the style and engineering of motorcycles from the late 1920s.
An older restoration, this machine remains a fine example of early British motorcycle design and craftsmanship.
These motorcycles offer a glimpse into the development of racing and road machines that helped shape motorcycle history and the Isle of Man's long connection with motorsport.
Take a closer look and explore the stories behind these remarkable machines and the riders who helped shape motorcycle history.
