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History of the "Cafe Racer" jacket.

Marc mndt

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,194
In the 1956 catalog, Beck called it their 'Leather Racing Shirt'

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Some pics of mine

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Marc mndt

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,194
I briefly owned a Beck 666. It has a unique fit. Did not work for me. Others here have had similar experiences. When it fits right its a great jacket.
Why didn't it work? How would you describe the unique fit?

This Beck is a 38 so it's too small for me and I can't try it on. But I do own the Schott 654 in a size 42 which is the exact same jacket (apart from the angle of the chest pockets).

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I would describe the fit as being very 'upright'. It doesn't curve along with the body. This shows best at the back where the collar doesn't touch the neck.

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Rich22

Practically Family
Messages
595
Location
G.B.
Can we go back to calling them Racing/Racer Jackets now? Cafe Racer is such an UGLY name for a cool jacket, and it is neither the original name, nor does it make any coherent sense.
 

Nykwil

One of the Regulars
Messages
156
Location
Cyberspace
Can we go back to calling them Racing/Racer Jackets now? Cafe Racer is such an UGLY name for a cool jacket, and it is neither the original name, nor does it make any coherent sense.

I've been referring to my RMC J100 as a 1950s/60s leather racing shirt to anyone who asks.
 

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,286
Schott, Beck and Bates; Best CR's around. But Kehoe is there, too.
Cal 6 panel padded??? never tried one on, but grail jacket for me. J100 deserves a spot. It's too iconic not to be. Brooks from the front might be my number 1 LOL. But I got no issues with your list either. All solid all around.
 

Damon141

Practically Family
Messages
928
Just as perfect as the J100. I really think anyone in the market for one of these and couldn't find a vintage version. They could have Fields leather take off a pocket on the newer versions he has posted to Instagram and you have a similar one.

To be extra detailed you could still find these original zippers and look at Marc's photos for small details that might need adjustment to more closely resemble an HD.
 

lina

One Too Many
Messages
1,028
Location
Washington DC
Just as perfect as the J100. I really think anyone in the market for one of these and couldn't find a vintage version. They could have Fields leather take off a pocket on the newer versions he has posted to Instagram and you have a similar one.

To be extra detailed you could still find these original zippers and look at Marc's photos for small details that might need adjustment to more closely resemble an HD.
These are classic for sure. Still more than a few floating around actually. Though I think many have ended up in the closet of @technovox !
 

Nacho

Practically Family
Messages
588

Sorry for an off-topic question guys but I see that your jacket has a Gripper Zipper slider, Marc. Do you happen to know who produced these sliders? I was trying to identify the maker of a MC jacket of mine and it has the same brand as yours.

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Thanks in advance, Marc.
 
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