Ex-Chris Conn, Steve Jolly, 1967 Rickman Métisse-Aermacchi 350cc Racing Motorcycle

• In-period Isle of Man TT history
• Known ownership history
• Present ownership since 1994
• Restored by Bernie Allen

Rickman factory records show that frame number 'R187' was sold new in May 1967 to Chris Conn, one of Britain's top privateers and a regular member of the 'Continental Circus'. Conn finished 5th in that year's Isle of Man Junior TT, very possibly on this machine. In 1968, sponsor Frank Higley ran the machine for future works Triumph rider Steve Jolly, who finished 17th in that year's Junior TT on the Higley Aermacchi. Jolly's 'S F J' initials are still stamped on the top yoke.
Arthur Butler bought the Rickman Métisse-Aermacchi from Frank Higley in the early 1970s, having been told that it had been raced by Tony Godfrey as well as Conn and Jolly. The current vendor purchased the ex-Higley Aermacchi from Arthur Butler in Ireland in April 1994 and asked noted machine builder and restorer Bernie Allen to restore it for him.
In a 1999 Classic Racer article detailing the motorcycle, the vendor said:

"When I saw one of Bernie's beautifully turned-out Manx Nortons at Silverstone, I approached him and asked if he'd consider doing an Aermacchi". - He was amazed to discover that Bernie was a long-time friend of Arthur Butler, then living in County Waterford and had actually ridden the machine on a couple of occasions. -"Bernie did his usual immaculate job".

The damaged crankcases were replaced with a new set sourced from marque specialist Dick Linton, who also supplied much useful information, while a new tank and seat unit were purchased from MRD Métisse. Interspan ignition was fitted as part of the rebuild.
Since 2000, the motorcycle has remained unused, kept as part of the owner's private collection. Recommissioning will be required before it returns to the racetrack.

Perusal of the 1999 Classic Racer magazine article (September edition) detailing the machine and Steve Jolly is highly recommended. A copy of the article is on file and the machine also comes with the 1994 purchase receipt; various hand-written notes concerning its career; and a screenshot photograph of Jolly racing it in the 1968 TT. Close examination of this highly specified racer is strongly advised.