What’s new • 1972
250cc
OSSA
MAR
As Mick Andrews continued with the ongoing development of the new Ossa replica model, the MAR, it was announced in February 1971 in the UK that there would be a new importer taking over from Derbyshire-based Eric Housley. Alan Kimber and Peter Fletcher would form Ossa UK, with rider support going to Dave Thorpe and Bill Wilkinson; Andrews’ contract was direct with Ossa in Spain. Thorpe was desperate for a new machine and was riding a twoyear-old Pennine model, whilst, at one point, Wilkinson had resorted to riding Peter Fletcher’s Bultaco with Ossa stickers on it before a Pennine model was located for him to ride! In the hands of ‘Magical’ Mick Andrews, the Ossa prototype was proving to be a winner in both the Scottish Six Days Trial and the European Championship. However, with the new MAR ready for production in October 1971, heavy rain storms had caused a river near the factory in Barcelona to breach its banks and flood the factory, causing £400,000 worth of damage; production was stopped. Words: John Hulme • Pictures: Malcolm Carling, Yoomee Archive
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Arthur Lampkin
Autumn 2022 • Classic Trial Magazine
