The Mangere Motorcycle and Aero Pageant that was held at the Mangere Aerodrome on Saturday March 29th, 1952, was a combined effort between the Auckland Aero Club, and the Mangere and Otahuhu motorcycle clubs.
The days events included a combination of motorcycle racing, gliding and aerobatic displays, the Mangere Marching Girls strutted their stuff, some Bomb Dodging (whatever that may be) and even a cycle race.
There were 34 motorcycles entered into the events with some well known riders, mostly from the Auckland region, and of which 10 were riding Velocettes.
There are also some short write ups on a few of New Zealands successful past riders including Chas. Allen, Ben Bray, Len Coulthard, Percy Coleman, Len Perry, Cass Goodwin and Australian Harry Mangham.
Interestingly there is an advertisement for the Rambler Lightweight motorcycle that was sold by Len Coulthard and Co of Newmarket. There were 4 models which were powered by the popular Villiers engine unit. Haven’t heard of it before and there is nothing on Google. Was it New Zealand made? And how many were sold?
At 36 pages it is an enjoyable read. Click on the cover below to view it.
It is a 7.5M PDF.
