Benbros Qualitoys

Solo Motorcycles

Benbros issued two series of Solo Motorcycles, the first with fixed forks and the second with moveable forks and other changes. Both types were issued in different colours but later the second type was switched to chrome-plated bikes which were used for all four versions.

 

Metal riders were used for the coloured models and some of the chrome-plated ones but Benbros gradually replaced these with plastic riders in various colours.

 

Much of the detail of both types of motorcycle remained the same. Both were immediately identifiable by having 'TTC 147' cast on the front and rear number-plates and 'Made in England' cast underneath. However, neither issue carried the Benbros name.

 

The Series 1 bikes had the front forks fixed to the fuel tank and the mudguard sealed to the frame in the casting which prevented the forks from turning.

 

On the Series 2 bikes the front of the fuel tank was adapted to accomodate a hinge and there was a longer rake to the steering forks creating a clear gap between the mudguard and the bike. There was also a hole added through the engine at the front to accomodate the sidecar linkage pin for the AA and RAC Motorcycle Patrol versions. The wheels were unpainted metal spokes with black rubber tyres. 

 

The four Solo Motorcycle models each had their own colour and their own coloured riders and their own Qualitoy boxes. These were uniform in size but had different pictures and wording although the end-flaps always had 'Qualitoy Benbros' on them. There was a small alteration to the wording when the Series 2 bikes were issued when 'Front Wheel Steering' was added to the sides alongside 'Made in England'.

 

Although they must have been popular, the Solo Motorcycles are quite hard to find in good condition and the boxes are becoming very scarce. The plastic riders have not aged well and are rare.

Series 1

 

• Cast m'cycle, fixed forks, 'TTC 147' number-plates, 'Made in England' underneath

 

• RED bike, silver trim (handlebars, headlight, front & rear number-plates, engine parts, exhaust),   spoked unpainted metal wheels, black rubber tyres

 

• RED metal rider, TAN or PINK face, BLACK boots/gloves/goggles, GREEN scarf

 

Series 2

 

• Cast m'cycle, moveable forks, 'TTC 147' number-plates, 'Made in England' underneath, engine hole

 

• RED bike (trim as Series 1) or CHROME bike. no trim, spoked um wheels, black rubber tyres

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• RED metal (trim as Series 1) or RED plastic rider, TAN or PINK face, BLACK goggles

Series 1

 

• Cast m'cycle, fixed forks, 'TTC 147' number-plates, 'Made in England' underneath

 

• OLIVE-GREEN or KHAKI bike, silver trim (handlebars, headlight, number-plates, fuel tank, engine parts, exhaust), spoked unpainted metal wheels, black rubber tyres

 

• OLIVE-GREEN or KHAKI metal rider, TAN or PINK face, BLACK boots/gloves/goggles, GREEN scarf 

 

Series 2

 

• Cast m'cycle, moveable forks, 'TTC 147' number-plates, 'Made in England' underneath, engine hole

 

• OLIVE-GREEN (trim as Series 1) or CHROME bike, no trim, spoked um wheels, black rubber tyres

 

• OLIVE-GREEN metal or DARK-GREEN plastic rider, TAN or PINK face, BLACK goggles

Series 1

 

• Cast m'cycle, fixed forks, 'TTC 147' number-plates, 'Made in England' underneath

 

• GREEN or RED bike, silver trim (handlebars, headlight, number-plates, fuel tank, engine parts, exhaust), spoked unpainted metal wheels, black rubber tyres

 

• BLUE or RED metal rider, TAN or PINK face, BLACK boots/gloves/goggles, GREEN scarf

 

Series 2

 

• Cast m'cycle, moveable forks, 'TTC 147' number-plates, 'Made in England' underneath, engine hole

 

• GREEN or RED bike (trim as Series 1) or CHROME bike (no trim), spoked um wheels, black rubber tyres

 

• BLUE or RED metal rider (trim as Series 1), or BLUE plastic rider, TAN or PINK face, BLACK goggles

Series 1

 

• Cast m'cycle, fixed forks, 'TTC 147' number-plates, 'Made in England' underneath

 

• MAROON bike, silver trim (handlebars, headlight, number-plates, fuel tank, engine parts, exhaust), spoked unpainted metal wheels, black rubber tyres

 

• DARK-BLUE metal rider, TAN or PINK face, BLACK goggles

 

Series 2 

 

• Cast m'cycle, moveable forks, 'TTC 147' number-plates, 'Made in England' underneath, engine hole

 

• MAROON bike (trim as Series 1) or CHROME bike, no trim, spoked um wheels, black rubber tyres

 

• DARK-BLUE metal rider or BLACK or BLUE plastic rider, TAN or PINK face, BLACK goggles