Classic Motorcycle # 1: 1961 Puch

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Uppermiddlepetrolhead is not a classic motorcycle 'blog.  However, the sheer beauty of this 1961 Puch (pronounced Puck, UMPH is reliably informed), spotted in North Hobart's cafe precinct, was impossible to resist.





According to the bike's owner, Puch is the small vehicle division of the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch, who manufacture everything from firearms to trucks.  Steyr have made weapons for the Australian military and everyone knows about the Daimler group. 




Puch are, however, less well known in Australia, although off-road enthusiasts may well remember the amazingly capable Steyr-Puch Haflinger four wheel drive.  They also made the Fiat-based Puch 500 but that vehicle was never imported into this country.


A Haflinger 4WD (internet image - Wikipedia)

A Puch 500 (internet image - Wikipedia)


Even less well known, - in Australia, at least - is that in addition to small cars, off-roaders, motorcycles, motor-scooters and mopeds, Puch make high-end BMX bicycles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puch#Puch_BMX).  Wikipedia also says that Puch have been involved with various joint ventures with Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen and Fiat to manufacture engines and cars at their Austrian facility.   




The motorcycle shown here really was a ripper!  The white-walled tyres, chromed fuel tank and shock-absorbers, and single seat combined to give it a late 50s / early 60s look that James Dean would have felt at home with.  The twin-exhaust gave a slightly rocket-ship air to the design, while the custom tail light  - built into the rear mudguard by the owner - was a nice touch, too. 






U M P H

 (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

 All iPhone images.

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