Classic TT Racers: The Grand Prix Years 1949-1976 is a history and tribute to some of the most important and successful motorcycles that raced during the TT's years as host of the British round of the motorcycle world championship. Topics include the events and personalities that led to the creation of the race and its challenging course. The early success of the British motorcycle manufacturers -Norton, Velocette, AJS and Matchless - and their riders are covered as are the origins of the Italian Fours - Gilera and MV Agusta Quattro. The influence and reign of the Japanese manufacturers - Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki - are discussed. Finally, details are included of the technical developments that enabled the bikes to conquer the mountain course with world-record beating times.


Greg Pullen trained and enjoyed a career as a chartered surveyor, being awarded the RICS postgraduate diploma in building conservation in 1995, and finally retiring as a Fellow in 2009 to pursue his interest in Italian motorcycles. He has been fortunate to have had private tours of Italian motorcycle factories and private collections to better understand the history and machines of Italy. Greg is also a consultant to Bonhams collectors’ motorcycles department. Greg has written on Italian motorcycles for many magazines including Classic Bike, Classic Bike Guide and Bike, alongside his own publication, Benzina. He is also the author of Moto Guzzi - The Complete Story, and A-Z of Italian Motorcycle Manufacturers, available from Crowood.