Classic Racer Magazine – July/August 1998 – Issue No. 72

Original Vintage Motorcycle Racing Magazine | Mike Hailwood | Ducati | Honda | Assen TT | Ascot Nortons | Triumph | 1958 Austrian Grand Prix

An original July/August 1998 edition of Classic Racer magazine, Issue Number 72, featuring an impressive selection of historic motorcycle racing articles, legendary riders, classic competition motorcycles and important events from international motorcycle racing history.

This vintage British motorcycle magazine is particularly notable for its major cover feature, "Mike The Bike – His Ducati – His Honda", celebrating the legendary Mike Hailwood and his association with two of motorcycle racing's most famous manufacturers.

The front cover features a spectacular period racing photograph of a motorcycle and rider leaning dramatically into a corner, together with a smaller action photograph advertising a feature on Ascot Nortons.

Other advertised subjects include Hailwood's 1978 V-twin racing machine, the Assen Centennial Classic TT, Ginger Molloy, Boyer Triumphs, Harry Everts, the 1958 Austrian Grand Prix and a Project Racer update.

A fascinating vintage publication for collectors of classic motorcycle racing memorabilia, historic Grand Prix motorcycles, Isle of Man TT history and British motorcycle engineering.

Publication Details

• Magazine: Classic Racer

• Issue Number: 72

• Cover Date: July/August 1998

• Publication Period: July–August 1998

• Original UK Price: £2.95

• Original USA Price: $5.50

• Language: English

• Format: Printed motorcycle racing magazine

• Subject: Classic motorcycle racing, Grand Prix racing, vintage motorcycles and historic competition

• Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition

• SKU: 1585

Date Note: The publication is dated July/August 1998. An exact day of publication is not provided on the visible cover.

Front Cover – Historic Motorcycle Racing Photography

The magazine features a striking full-colour racing photograph occupying most of the front cover.

The main image depicts a motorcycle racer leaning a competition motorcycle sharply into a corner.

The rider is dressed in traditional racing leathers featuring red, blue and white colouring, with a predominantly white racing helmet and dark visor.

The motorcycle features a distinctive racing fairing with prominent sponsorship graphics and a combination of red, green and white bodywork.

Visible details include:

• Period competition motorcycle racing fairing.

• Prominent racing sponsorship decals.

• Large racing number markings.

• Red, white and green motorcycle bodywork.

• Racing leathers with period-style sponsorship patches.

• Protective full-face racing helmet.

• Low racing handlebars.

• Front racing tyre and suspension.

• The rider positioned close to the tarmac during cornering.

• A dramatic action photograph capturing the atmosphere of historic motorcycle road racing.

The motorcycle and rider form an eye-catching cover image, especially attractive to collectors of classic Grand Prix and motorcycle racing publications.

The cover's principal story prominently celebrates Mike Hailwood, although the rider pictured in the main photograph cannot be identified with certainty solely from the supplied image.

Main Cover Feature – Mike The Bike: His Ducati, His Honda

The magazine's most prominent headline reads:

"MIKE THE BIKE – HIS DUCATI – HIS HONDA"

This special feature celebrates Mike Hailwood, one of the most important and successful motorcycle racers in the history of the sport.

Known affectionately as "Mike The Bike", Hailwood became internationally famous for his extraordinary achievements in Grand Prix motorcycle racing and the Isle of Man TT.

His racing career included historic performances on Honda machinery, while his later return to motorcycle competition on Ducati became one of the most celebrated stories in road racing history.

The feature's subject matter is particularly relevant to enthusiasts interested in:

• Mike Hailwood's motorcycle racing career.

• Historic Honda Grand Prix racing motorcycles.

• Ducati racing motorcycles.

• The 1978 Isle of Man TT.

• Classic motorcycle road racing.

• Historic racing machinery and engineering.

• The evolution of Grand Prix motorcycle competition.

• Famous British motorcycle racing champions.

This is one of the issue's strongest collector attractions, bringing together the Hailwood name with the Honda and Ducati racing heritage.

Riding Hailwood's 1978 V-Twin

Another prominent headline reads:

"Riding Hailwood's '78 V-Twin"

The cover also includes the wording:

"Showcasing Hailwood's 250-6"

The 1978 V-twin reference is especially significant because of Hailwood's famous comeback victory on Ducati machinery at the Isle of Man TT.

The feature promises an interesting perspective on a historic racing machine closely associated with one of motorcycling's greatest competitors.

The Honda six-cylinder reference adds another fascinating element, recalling the highly sophisticated multi-cylinder racing motorcycles associated with Honda's Grand Prix development during the 1960s.

These stories make the magazine particularly appealing to collectors of Mike Hailwood, Ducati and Honda racing memorabilia.

Assen Centennial Classic TT – 16-Page Souvenir

Across the top of the front cover is the headline:

"Inside Assen Centennial Classic TT 16-Page Souvenir"

This advertises a substantial 16-page souvenir feature dedicated to the Assen Centennial Classic TT.

Assen is one of the most historically important venues in motorcycle racing and is internationally associated with Dutch motorcycle Grand Prix competition.

The advertised souvenir is particularly interesting for enthusiasts of:

• Historic motorcycle racing meetings.

• Classic TT events.

• Assen motorcycle racing history.

• Dutch Grand Prix heritage.

• Vintage racing motorcycles.

• Historic competition photography.

• Classic racing events and rider appearances.

Important: The cover confirms that a 16-page souvenir is advertised, but the supplied photograph does not establish whether it is a bound-in section or a separate insert. Its presence and completeness have not been independently checked.

Ascot Nortons

The upper-right corner of the cover displays a smaller vintage motorcycle racing photograph with the headline:

"Ascot Nortons"

The photograph shows a classic racing motorcycle carrying the number 58, ridden at speed on a circuit.

The competitor is wearing traditional racing clothing and a protective helmet, with the machine leaned sharply into a bend.

The motorcycle features the distinctive narrow profile and exposed mechanical styling associated with historic competition machines.

This feature is particularly relevant to collectors interested in:

• Norton racing motorcycles.

• Historic British competition machinery.

• Classic racing specials.

• Vintage motorcycle racing.

• Period racing photography.

• Norton motorcycle engineering.

The photograph provides an attractive additional visual feature on the cover.

Ginger Molloy

The cover advertises a feature on Ginger Molloy, the New Zealand motorcycle racer associated with international Grand Prix competition.

Molloy competed during an important period of motorcycle racing development, when European and Japanese manufacturers were producing increasingly sophisticated racing machines.

This subject will appeal to collectors interested in 1960s and 1970s Grand Prix racing, historic international motorcycle competition and famous riders from New Zealand.

Boyer Triumphs

Another advertised subject is:

"Boyer Triumphs"

The feature concerns Triumph-associated racing motorcycles and the Boyer name.

Triumph motorcycles occupy an important place in British motorcycling history, including competition machinery, specialist engineering and racing modifications.

This subject is of interest to enthusiasts of British racing motorcycles, Triumph engines, historic motorcycle tuning and classic competition machinery.

Harry Everts

The magazine also advertises a feature on Harry Everts, the celebrated Belgian motocross rider and multiple world champion.

Everts was an important figure in international motocross, competing during a period when off-road motorcycle technology and racing competition were developing rapidly.

The subject is particularly relevant to enthusiasts of:

• Classic motocross.

• Historic world championship competition.

• European motorcycle racing.

• Vintage off-road motorcycles.

• Famous motocross riders.

1958 Austrian Grand Prix

The lower cover text includes:

"1958 Austrian Grand Prix"

This feature revisits an important period of historic motorcycle Grand Prix racing.

The late 1950s represented a fascinating era in motorcycle competition, with a wide variety of European motorcycle manufacturers, innovative racing engines and distinctive racing machines.

This subject will appeal to collectors interested in historic racing results, classic Grand Prix circuits and motorcycle competition from the 1950s.

Cadwell Trans Atlantic Preview

The magazine advertises a Cadwell Trans Atlantic Preview, connecting the issue with historic racing competition at Cadwell Park.

Cadwell Park is one of Britain's best-known motorcycle racing circuits, celebrated for its challenging layout and long association with motorcycle racing.

The feature is particularly interesting to enthusiasts of classic British circuit racing and historic international racing events.

Project Racer Update

A further cover headline reads:

"Project Racer Update"

This suggests a continuing feature following a motorcycle racing project.

For readers interested in historic racing preparation, mechanical development and classic competition motorcycle restoration, such coverage is a useful part of the magazine's appeal.

Why This Magazine Is Collectible

This particular edition covers an unusually varied selection of motorcycle racing subjects.

It combines legendary road racing personalities, famous manufacturers, historic Grand Prix competition, British racing heritage and classic motocross.

Especially notable are the Mike Hailwood-related features, which connect two celebrated names in motorcycle racing history: Ducati and Honda.

The advertised Assen Centennial Classic TT souvenir also adds potential interest for collectors of historic motorcycle events.

The magazine is particularly suitable for enthusiasts of:

• Mike Hailwood memorabilia.

• Ducati racing history.

• Honda Grand Prix motorcycles.

• Classic Isle of Man TT racing.

• Historic Norton motorcycles.

• Triumph competition motorcycles.

• Vintage motocross.

• International motorcycle Grand Prix history.

• Classic Racer magazine collecting.

As an original publication from 1998, it represents an interesting period record of historic motorcycle racing enthusiasm and the classic racing scene of the late 1990s.

Condition – Detailed Assessment

Pre-owned vintage magazine with noticeable age-related wear, particularly around the spine and cover edges.

The supplied image shows an original magazine which has clearly been handled and stored over time.

Front Cover

• The original front cover is present.

• The Classic Racer title remains clearly visible.

• The main racing photograph retains strong colour and detail.

• Cover headlines are readable.

• Visible surface rubbing and general handling wear are present.

• Light scratches and scuffing can be seen across portions of the cover.

• Some unevenness and minor waviness are visible.

• The darker lower section shows rubbing and light surface marking.

Spine and Left Edge

The spine is the most visibly worn area of this copy.

• Noticeable rubbing and deterioration are present along the left-hand edge.

• Several small tears, nicks or splits appear along the spine area.

• The cover edge is irregular in places.

• There is evidence of paper wear and possible localised separation around portions of the spine.

• The upper-left area shows bending and compression.

• The lower-left edge has visible wear and scuffing.

These imperfections are important for collectors seeking a high-grade copy.

Corners and Outer Edges

• The upper-left corner shows wear and slight bending.

• The top edge has minor scuffs and slight unevenness.

• The upper-right corner shows light wear.

• The right-hand cover edge has some visible curling and handling marks.

• The lower-left corner is worn and slightly rounded.

• The bottom edge shows rubbing, light creasing and general storage wear.

• The lower-right corner has minor bending.

Interior and Binding

Only the front cover has been provided for inspection.

Therefore:

• The internal page condition has not been verified.

• The presence of all original pages cannot be independently confirmed.

• The binding condition cannot be fully assessed.

• Internal marks, creases, writing or damage cannot be ruled out.

• The completeness of the advertised souvenir feature has not been verified.

Overall Condition Assessment

Condition: Fair vintage condition based on the visible photograph.

The magazine remains visually attractive, with strong cover imagery and clear printed details, but noticeable spine wear and general age-related imperfections are present.

It is not being described as mint or near mint.

Please inspect the photograph carefully before purchasing, as it forms part of the condition description.

Important – Original Extras and Supplements

This listing is for the original Classic Racer magazine dated July/August 1998, Issue Number 72, shown in the photograph.

The cover advertises a 16-page Assen Centennial Classic TT souvenir.

Any separate supplements, free gifts, loose inserts, promotional items or other accessories originally issued with the magazine are no longer included unless clearly shown and specifically confirmed.

No separate extras are included in this listing.

The presence of any bound-in souvenir pages has not been independently verified.

Packaging and Delivery

Your magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during delivery.

UK Orders: Sent in a protective hardback envelope to help reduce the risk of bending.

International Orders: Sent in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

Final Summary

An original Classic Racer Magazine, July/August 1998, Issue No. 72, with a striking historic motorcycle racing cover and major features celebrating Mike Hailwood, Ducati and Honda racing history.

Other advertised subjects include Hailwood's 1978 V-twin, the Honda 250-6, Assen Centennial Classic TT, Ascot Nortons, Ginger Molloy, Boyer Triumphs, Harry Everts, Cadwell Trans Atlantic racing and the 1958 Austrian Grand Prix.

An interesting vintage motorcycle racing publication for collectors of historic competition motorcycles, famous racers and classic racing memorabilia.

The item supplied is the actual magazine shown in the photograph.

SKU: 1585