The combination consists of a gloss black Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle and Watsonian GP Manx sidecar. Both have taken Barbour’s iconic International Original A7 motorcycling jacket, famously worn by actor Steve McQueen in the 1964 International Six Day Trials, as their design inspiration. The design incorporates the signature black and gold of the Barbour International logo, Barbour’s Modern tartan, grey cord and zip pulls from the original A7 jacket. The outfit also sports a new tank badge, which includes both the Barbour and Royal Enfield logos, designed by the fashion photographer and film maker Nick Clements.
Founded by T.F.Watson in 1912, Watsonian sidecars provided an economical mode of transport for families throughout the UK. The brand experienced considerable growth in the ensuing years, culminating in the height of its success in the 1950s. With the introduction of affordable family cars in the 60s, the company experienced an inevitable downturn in demand. More recently interest in sidecars has increased again with demand growing year on year since the early 1990s.
Barbour, whose International motorcycle clothing was worn by almost every British team from the late 1930s until the 70s has a long association with Royal Enfield. The great British trials rider Johnny Brittain, successfully rode Royal Enfield motorcycles in his Barbour International jacket throughout the 1950s and 60s.
The Barbour sidecar outfit will be on show at Watsonian's centenary rally on August 18th-19th and on the Royal Enfield stand at the Goodwood Revival from 14–16th September. For more information call 01386 700907 or visit www.watsonian-squire.com.
