Spitfires, Hornets and Wasps 1965 - 1968

The A65 Spitfire - marketed as a Bonnie beater for the American market - makes a glorious Sunday morning fun vehicle.

Launched in 1966 as a 120mph Triumph Bonneville beater for the American market, the Spitfire's claimed output was a whacking 54bhp. This fearsome BSA was originally fitted with twin Amal GP2 carburettors - later versions have Monoblocs or Concentrics. Apart from the carburettors, a bright red five gallon glassfibre tank is often this intimidating machine's most recognisable feature.

The arrival of the A75R Rocket Three in 1968 hastened the Spitfire's removal from the range. Rare in Britain, nobody should choose the uncomfortable and ill mannered Spitfire for long runs or touring holidays. But as a Sunday morning fun vehicle, it is glorious.

The A65 based Hornet and 500cc A50 Wasp are American off road 'desert sleds' produced without lights. The Hornet has high level exhaust pipes without silencers - the Wasp a complete low level system. Unlikely to be sourced in the UK, although a dealer with good U.S. contacts may be able to find one.