1965 Cecil Walker track bike.

This very pretty Australian built Cecil Walker track bike 

was made for Kiwi rider Hugh Grace in 1964.

Hugh (Hugie) Grace was along with his brother

Max, quite prominent in the New Zealand road/track racing 

scene during the 1960's, although because Hugh moved to 
Australia in 1964, locals are probably 
more familiar with his brother.

 Hugh Grace 

N.Z. Cycling magazine Oct. 1971

Hugh, annoyed at not been given an opportunity to be part

of the 1964 NZ Olympic squad, decided to take a trip across

the ditch to Australia to 'cool off'' for a couple of months.

He ended up there for 5 years.

 Living in Melbourne, Huge quickly became involved in the

local cycle racing scene, and as his local shop was 
Cecil Walkers, he had Cecil built him a new track frame.

Hugh told me that Cecil was an extremely likable man, and as

you can see, also a fine frame builder.

Cecil Walker add

Australian Cyclist December 1962.

Before starting his bike business, Cecil Walker was

an international road and track racing star, especially in the USA.

Apparently he is regarded by some to be Australia's

finest track rider, which is really saying something, 

considering the stiff competition for that title.

I especially like the story that he was still riding off

scratch at the age of forty.

Cecil Walker 1920's-30's racing legend.

He open his Cecil Walker Cycles in Elizabeth St,

Melbourne during the 1930's and ran the shop until

he passed away in 1969.
The Shop still operates today.

 It seems all Cecil Walkers (as did many Australian) bikes

had hand painted signwriting, and always beautifully rendered.

  Hugh's name on the top tube, such a nice touch.

Even though I have only closely inspected

about a dozen vintage Australian racing bikes, I will go out

on a limb and say from what I have seen, their best are 

up there with the best in the world.

 

Tom Harrison winning Gold in the 1962 Empire games

on a Cecil walker track frame.

Frame number W1233

Looking 'just right' a real Aussie classic.