Unit 56: Larry Preston-Smith and the art of 'fun motorcycling'

“You’ve got to love it,” says Larry Preston-Smith, a broad grin on his face as he sits astride a riding saddle at the ‘bar’ of his new motorcycle shop. The ‘it’ in question is the principle of working on bikes, but it’s more a statement of the man’s unique and infectious joie de vivre that leaves visitors aching to ride off into the Cotswolds sunset on a customised BMW.

In any case, where else would you find riding-saddle stools, a drum kit, a model Wellington bomber and enough biking and car memorabilia to open a shop?Not to mention a separate, ‘Fun at Unit 56’ page on Preston-Smith’s new website.Ex-Commando Preston-Smith, working with Mike Gauntlett, has created Unit 56 to be more than just a fantasy man-cave, a place to buy and sell bikes or a restoration shop. Located just outside the picturesque Gloucestershire village of Blockley, it’s a meeting place for like-minded individuals with the right vibe who are always welcome to pop in, have a chat or just enjoy a good laugh.


The business has its serious side, of course. Preston-Smith’s restorations and customised bikes are finished to a very high standard and have been commissioned by clients worldwide. He can supply bikes from stock, or find that elusive classic BSA, Triumph or ‘Husky’ scrambler just like the one Steve McQueen (see footnote) rode in any number of events in the 60s and 70s.And Preston-Smith is a pretty mean rider himself. He’s competed in the famous Weston Beach Race, the Superstock 600 Championship and the ‘BEARS’ racing series for non-Japanese classic bikes. While you might find him or Gauntlett working on a classic Honda 750/4, they are more likely to be preparing a Laverda, Montesa or BMW.


It’s the German machines that the pair holds most dear. Customising and restoring the always-well-built BMWs is a “form of recycling”, states Preston-Smith. And they don’t have to be air-cooled; when we visited Unit 56 there were several inline-fours either for sale or undergoing customisation.“Whether it’s buying or selling a bike, wanting the smallest to the most extensive service or restoration work, or general advice on getting into the now hip world of 21st Century biking, we’re here to help.“There’s always the element of fun, but most important of all is supplying top-quality service,” Preston-Smith said, with seriousness.“We just live bikes, and anything we are involved in has to look good, and it must also be practical and reliable.”He does have some fantastic bikes in stock, and a portfolio of desirable commissioned pieces. He also makes a mean cup of tea and, as he says, “the kettle’s always on…”Footnote: The Husqvarna you see here is owned by Preston-Smith and was the 1970 USA Team bike on which Malcom Smith won both the Baja 1000 and the Mexican 1000. Steve McQueen is in the team picture for that year, and has also been pictured on the bike.

Related Links Unit 56's full stock list of motorcycles can be found in the Classic Driver Marketplace The Unit 56 website: www.unit56.co.uk

Text: Steve Wakefield (ClassicDriver)
Photos: Classic Driver