Alec Bennetts in Portswood: Remember When?

Did You Buy a Motorcycle or Car Here in the Past?

This is what they say...

Alec Bennetts in Portswood was a popular mecca for motorcyclists. It is a shop known to both locals and many motorcycle enthusiasts around the world. Did you use the shop? Can you share your experiences with us? Get in touch.

Here is what someone said:

“I bought my first bike from Alec Bennetts in 1972. It was a BSA Bantam D10 which cost £65. I used to hang around the shop on Saturdays with my mates, just looking at the bikes and dreaming of the day when I could afford one.

“The staff were always really friendly and helpful. They would give you advice on which bike to buy and would even let you test ride them. I remember one time when I was looking at a Triumph Bonneville and Alec himself came out and had a chat with me. He was a really nice guy and he made me feel like a valued customer.

“I eventually bought a Yamaha RD250 from Alec Bennetts in 1975. It was a great bike and I had many happy memories riding it. I sold it a few years later, but I still think about it fondly.

“Alec Bennetts was a great shop and I’m sad to see it’s gone. It was a real part of the community and it will be missed by many people.”

Alec Bennett was an Irish-Canadian motorcycle racer famous for motorcycle Grand Prix wins and five career wins at the Isle of Man TT. He was also the first person to lap the Isle of Man TT course at over 100 mph.

Bennetts was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1927. He began racing motorcycles in 1947 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1951, he won the 500cc class at the Isle of Man TT. He also won the 350cc class at the TT in 1953 and 1954.

In 1955, Bennetts moved to Canada. He continued to race motorcycles and won several Canadian championships. He also competed in the Grand Prix world championships, finishing as high as second in the 500cc class in 1958.

Bennetts retired from racing in 1962. He later worked as a motorcycle dealer and instructor. He also wrote several books about motorcycle racing.

Bennetts died in 2013 at the age of 85. He was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.