BMW RS 500 type 255 compressor 1939 & Jock West - Isle of Man TT 1939 photo

Description

A superb and rare photo of the famous British BMW factory rider
Jock West
and his
BMW model 255 500cc Kompressor supercharged works racer
in action during the
Isle of Man
500cc Senior T.T.
of
1939
. Jock West would finish the race in
second place
, behind race winner Georg Meier on a similar BMW Kompressor racer!
Jock West
is seen riding the magnificent BMW RS 500 Type 255 compressor racer. It already was the second generation of BMW’s supercharged works motorcycles. It had a more modern, welded tubular frame which also was destined to enter series production just a year later in the BMW R 5 and R 6. The compressor engine had two overhead camshafts; at each side shaft driven and the gearbox featured four speeds and was foot shifted. Benefiting from low weight of just
138 kg
or
304 lb
, the blown BMW had a top speed of more than
136 mph
(
220 km/h
). These 500cc BMW RS Kompressor racers were terrific, powerful and mighty machines that were very successful in racing. It is without doubt the most famous BMW racing model ever and an everlasting monument of their technological capabilities! The 500cc boxer twin featured a Roots-type supercharger, made by Zoller, which was mounted in front of the crankcase. The carburetor was on the right with the inlet pipes passing under the cylinders. The overhead camshafts were shaft driven. The photograph shows some great detail of the bike and the engine!
BMW’s compressor machines scored their greatest success on the track in 1938, when offroad rider Georg Meier entered his first season on the tarmac, winning the German, Belgian and Italian Grand Prix as well as the Dutch Tourist Trophy and bringing home victory in Hockenheim,
Nuremberg
and in
the Eilenriede Race. This was enough for him to secure the European and the German Championships. However, its biggest victory came in 1939, when Georg Meier won the 500cc Isle of Man Senior T.T. He was not the first non-English rider with a non English machine to do so, as four years earlier Irishman Stanley Woods had won the 500cc Senior T.T. with a Moto Guzzi 500cc twin. Meier’s average speed was exactly
143.723 km/h
or
89.108 mph
, which was a sensation. As the next rider to cross the finish line, Jock West
(SEE PHOTO!)
came in two minutes later on his compressor BMW, giving the Company a perfect one-two
victory. Meier had won the race
with an average speed of no less then
89.38 mph
(
143.84 km/h
)! He also broke the fastest lap record with an average speed of a massive
90.75 mph
(
146.05 km/h
), an amazingly fast speed on the
Isle of Man
T.T.
Mountain
circuit!
This is a very nice and very rare
non period
photo that reflects a wonderful era of BMW ‘s rich motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x
30 cm
). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing!
Check out our other Ebay auctions or contact us for more BMW and other motorcycle images
and use the shipping discount! You can always contact us for any requests.
We have more photos of the BMW compressor racer and other BMW (racing) models, and of other motorcycle brands. Please check out our Ebay auctions and take advantage of our shipping discount!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.