Nero - A trail blazer born from the ashes
It was great to see the Nero brought back to life at the open day on the 27th October. The National Motorbike Museum hosted a brilliant event, with hundreds of visitors being enticed through the chilling conditions to enjoy some iconic machines.
The Nero was literally a phoenix from the ashes, the remains of a burned out Rapide being rescued by George for the princely sum of £5. During its lifetime, it took several exciting journey with or without its distinctive bullet shaped fairing.
After the war, George Brown had worked for the Stevenage firm as a tester and factory rider. On machines such as the Comet Special and the famous Gunga Din, he took many record laps including the Clubman’s TT at his first attempt on the Isle of Man. Giving up road racing after a couple of bad crashes, George concentrated on sprints and hill-climbs. Many Midlanders will remember seeing him at Shelsley Walsh on Nero in 1953.
George Brown’s Nero 1000cc Vincent Special made him the fastest man on two wheels at Brighton in 1958. He covered a standing kilometre in 19.29 seconds, reaching a speed of 186mph. Just a couple of years later, he had to end his racing career due to ill health, but he certainly left a legacy in his wake; thank you sir for the history that you made.
Watch it fired up at The National Motorcycle Museum