The Section stand at the NEC Classic Car Show had a loose theme of competition bikes

The Section stand at the NEC Classic Car Show had a loose theme of competition bikes. This huge three day show provides a great opportunity to tell the world about our bikes, our club and what we do. Several members worked hard on the Thursday set-up day to transport bikes and arrange them on the stand. A special mention for Tony who not only drove the van that transported the stand paraphernalia and Don's bikes to the show but also made a special trip to Matlock to get the original factory bike stands.
We displayed George's H.R.D Super 90, Don provided an “A” TT Replica and a Grey Flash and Tim Kingham brought along his successful Egli racing twin. John Benson’s very nice “B” Rapide was next to the Egli to show what the standard road going Vincent looked like. John Kinley who brought along his Lightning last year was unfortunately involved in a road traffic accident (not on the Lightning) and so wasn’t able to bring along his promised Lightning. We hope you are not feeling too stiff John and soon able to put your own socks on. ;-) Eddie and Marion Wallbank from Surrey filled the gap with their lovely “Fast Lady” Vincent outfit which, being a bit of a celebrity in its own right, lots of people seemed to have heard of. This variety of machines created a steady flow of interest, questions and photographs. We must have made a good impression as George said we have been asked to put on a display at some other venues.
Sunday was a long day for some as when the show closed the display had to be dismantled and bikes loaded up onto trailers and vans. The day was made even longer by NEC staff who made "a fast get away" as difficult as possible. Thanks to all who provided machines and also to all the volunteers who took a turn on the stand. There are a few photographs from the NEC below.
Eddy

Below: Don discusses the finer points of the Grey Flash.

Above: Eddie Wallbank relaxes in the Steib.

The story of Eddie Wallbank and “The Fast Lady” is interesting and goes back quite a long way. Eddie’s first encounter with the outfit was in the 60’s when it was owned by Malcolm and Betty Attrill and the local bikers haunt was Thornton Heath Pond Pie Shop. Seeing that “The Fast Lady” was something special inspired Eddie to put 16” wheels into his own Norton/Steib outfit. Progressing from the road to the race track Eddie found himself up against the “The Fast Lady” but could never catch it until he got a 750 Norton twin. The racing ended in 1972 when a first daughter was born and bikes faded from the scene.
In 1998 Eddie somehow got involved in the restoration of a 1954 Norton Dominator owned by one of his employees. Looking through bike magazines to source parts for the Dominator Eddie spotted an advert for “The Fast Lady”. Could it be the same “Fast Lady”? A telephone call confirmed that it was the real "Fast Lady" and that is how Eddie became the owner all these years later.