Not really, there were many Japanese manufacturers that fought it out in the 50s and early 60s before bikes were shipped to the US and Europe. Dozens that made bikes then went bankrupt or were gobbled up by bigger players. See, e.g. Lilac. Bridgestone was perhaps the only one that imported significant numbers to the US that did not survive until today.
I think we did. The rest of the chat has gone off on other tangents !
Agree, but with hindsight was it a smart move? US economy from the worlds largest creditor to the debtor.
however, the British engine was built en masse in America, which was vital, as Uk couldn’t have made them in quantity at the time.
And designed by a German immigrant to the US, so let's just say it was a multi-national effort.
Two completely different design aims. One was done as a high performance interceptor, the other as a long range fighter.
They needed an Interstate version.Two completely different design aims. One was done as a high performance interceptor, the other as a long range fighter.
As another, far more competent writer once put it, take the Spitfire for dogfighting over the UK, the Mustang for over Berlin - but only because the Spitfire would never make it back from Berlin without refuelling
Especially where your country is heavily bombed to near oblivion.
IIRC the London blitz went on for 57 consecutive nights .
But, as the saying goes, you should see the other guy....
Beautiful, yes, but pretty much every one who has driven one says it has a ridiculous driving position and very slow gearchange!
