Michael Satterfield
by TGR Staff
The Egli-Vincent offered here was built by sidecar racer Pete Gerrish using a frame bought directly from Fritz Egli shortly after meeting the Swiss engineer in 1968. Although a ‘chair’ man, Gerrish was so impressed by his test ride on Egli’s own hill-climber that he decided to build his own solo racing version. Subsequently, Gerrish described the machine’s construction in an article published in the VOC’s magazine ‘MPH’ (October 1980 edition, copy available). In the latter, he states that the engine – described as ‘part Lightning, part Shadow’ – was taken from his racing sidecar outfit. Gerrish’s Egli was raced by Dave Browning, who won first time out at the Cheltenham Motor Club’s Moreton Valence circuit in September 1968 despite being unfamiliar with this type of motorcycle. Soon afterward the Egli-Vincent was track-tested at Silverstone for Motor Cycle magazine (25th December 1968 edition) by David Dixon, whose riding report forms part of the ‘MPH’ article. Despite some misgivings concerning the unsorted handling, Dixon was mightily impressed by the power of the Egli, which ‘in less than half a mile was easily exceeding 120mph. This was the first time an un-streamlined model had notched such figures on test.’ And let’s not forget that Dixon was talking about racing motorcycles!
Its recently deceased owner bought the Egli-Vincent directly from Pete Gerrish, though it is not known when it was last used. The presence of matching Smiths 5″ speedometer and rev counter may indicate that the owner was intending to register it for the road. Two cylinders, a cylinder head, a primary drive cover, an original Egli ‘banana’ fuel tank, and the original fairing and rev counter are included in the sale. Countless replicas of the Egli frame have been made over the years, which makes this genuine example with in-period race history all the more attractive to collectors. There is no registration document with this Lot, which is offered without reserve.
