The bike somehow found its way to the town of Deer River in Northern Minnesota and was titled to Lee McGibbon in 1962. Unfortunately Lee passed away in 1995 but according to Lee's mother and uncle, he bought it used. Lee rode the bike some and took it to Kentucky when he joined the Army. He kept it for 22 years putting on less than 2500 miles. During that time, it was taken apart and stayed that way until it was reassembled sometime in the early 80's. It is during that time it's believed that the frame acquired its green color. An interesting and attractive change from original black.

Still in Kentucky, it was bought by Dennis Scanlon in 1984. He kept it for 7 years adding only 100 miles. The bike changed hands again in 1992 to Gary Rask of Pennsylvania. Gary owns a repair and restoration shop. Gary put the bike in good enough condition and brought it to the South Fork Motorcycle Auction in October 1995 where Joe Tokarz acquired it.

Made Like a Gun
The Royal Enfield motorcycle company logo used a military field cannon to emphasis that their products were tough and reliable. The Enfield's were machines to buy and ride. No complex mechanicals. The firm was run by men knew the conservative nature of the market place and allowed others to build the glamour machines.

This Royal Enfield was acquired for its out-standing "macho" presence.

Restoration Facts
Only a small amount of effort was needed to get the RE Interceptor road worthy. Some clutch work, a fair amount of cleaning and polishing has turned this 36 year old, into a beauty with less than 2700 original miles.

10 and Rare
In the process of research, it was learned that this Enfield comes from a rather limited line of special Interceptors. The engine number carries the prefix of VAX. While the exact purpose of the VAX is not known, it is believed that X indicated an experimental engine that included performance modifications to the 700cc vertical twin engine such a specially lightened crank. It appears that only 211 VAX units were manufactured. Discussions with Mark Cain of REOC/NA and a Model 700 Interceptor freak, indicates that this bike is one of 11 known survivors from the original lot of 211.

While the external appearance of the machine differs somewhat from archive pictures, namely the headlight and front fork covers, it is known that the factory did try to market machines configured for off-road use. However the market did not respond well to the reliable and powerful but heavy machine. So some bikes were refitted with street trim and sold that way. It is believed that this example, is of that origin.

Today
The bike today, is with my oldest son Joe Jr., REOCNA member #646. I gave him the Enfield because I wanted to include him in on my love of old 2 wheeled British machinery.