Vanson model E

[DRW62]

I will openly admit that I have a sick and unhealthy obsession with the above mentioned Vanson, the model E or Highwayman. I have probably owned a dozen of them, from different eras 70's to the present in all sorts of various condition from "new" to "seriously throw that thing away".
It's one of my all time favorite patterns and I've posted them in the jacket o' the day thread several times. My latest acquisition is one I'm really appreciating. It's fairly unique and I figure fans of the brand might get a kick out of seeing a bit more of it. It's a very thick, grainy gray hide. Has C&C zips with brass snaps. No leather lined *** pocket (which is standard) and weighs in right around 8lbs.
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Some other E's
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As a dedicated riding jacket I find it a very useful design. The laced back allows for a very personal fit at the expense of some aesthetics. I also wear it as a straight up foul weather winter jacket. Nothing permeates the hide and the quilted nylon is more than warm enough for the most hideous cold.
Ahhh.... I feel like this was good therapy, thanks for listening.

Fantastic jackets, every one of them.

I will openly admit that I have a sick and unhealthy obsession with the above mentioned Vanson, the model E or Highwayman. I have probably owned a dozen of them, from different eras 70's to the present in all sorts of various condition from "new" to "seriously throw that thing away".
It's one of my all time favorite patterns and I've posted them in the jacket o' the day thread several times. My latest acquisition is one I'm really appreciating. It's fairly unique and I figure fans of the brand might get a kick out of seeing a bit more of it. It's a very thick, grainy gray hide. Has C&C zips with brass snaps. No leather lined *** pocket (which is standard) and weighs in right around 8lbs.
View attachment 74920

View attachment 74922
View attachment 74923
View attachment 74924
View attachment 74925
View attachment 74928
Some other E's
View attachment 74926
View attachment 74927
View attachment 74929
View attachment 74930
As a dedicated riding jacket I find it a very useful design. The laced back allows for a very personal fit at the expense of some aesthetics. I also wear it as a straight up foul weather winter jacket. Nothing permeates the hide and the quilted nylon is more than warm enough for the most hideous cold.
Ahhh.... I feel like this was good therapy, thanks for listening.

Nothing sick or unhealthy at all ! Fantastic jackets every one of them !

 

[Bobbyg]

Thank you, I couldn't remember. The new vanson is breaking in well and im enjoying it .Getting by wearing a heavy scarf in place of the collar .

No problem. Man I’ve had mine like two years, worn it on a particularly rainy motorcycle trip, plus lots of riding in general and I don’t even think mine is broken in yet. It’s great though, comfy from day one and definitely warmer than most leather jackets

 

[Peter Mackin]

No problem. Man I’ve had mine like two years, worn it on a particularly rainy motorcycle trip, plus lots of riding in general and I don’t even think mine is broken in yet. It’s great though, comfy from day one and definitely warmer than most leather jackets

Cheers Bobby,I love the model E so much,im exchanging my immaculate vanson chopper for another model E,a size 42 with mouton, I will wear that with a tee-shirt and keep the 44 for layering. I've sold to the forum member here before and he's a great guy to deal with.

 

[Bobbyg]

Cheers Bobby,I love the model E so much,im exchanging my immaculate vanson chopper for another model E,a size 42 with mouton, I will wear that with a tee-shirt and keep the 44 for layering. I've sold to the forum member here before and he's a great guy to deal with.

Right on, that’s a good call. I kind of wish I did the same, my 42 is slightly big for casual wear, not that comfortable driving a car for example, but definitely the right size for riding and layering. I found an old Schott recently that I’ve been rocking when not riding and it is nice, but man the vanson makes it feel like a fasion jacket for sure, and the just the fit/feel of the vanson is hard to beat. Seriously great jacket, especially the model E, it is perfect in so many ways.
I think it’s time to bust it out again after this talk actually and time to put the collar on

 

[Peter Mackin]

Right on, that’s a good call. I kind of wish I did the same, my 42 is slightly big for casual wear, not that comfortable driving a car for example, but definitely the right size for riding and layering. I found an old Schott recently that I’ve been rocking when not riding and it is nice, but man the vanson makes it feel like a fasion jacket for sure, and the just the fit/feel of the vanson is hard to beat. Seriously great jacket, especially the model E, it is perfect in so many ways.
I think it’s time to bust it out again after this talk actually and time to put the collar on

I know what you mean regarding the difference between the vansons and schott, this year ive bought 3 perfectos, 2 115s and recently a cracking 613 ,,i adore them for wearing off the bike,so comfortable.

 

[Bobbyg]

I know what you mean regarding the difference between the vansons and schott, this year ive bought 3 perfectos, 2 115s and recently a cracking 613 ,,i adore them for wearing off the bike,so comfortable.

Yea I think the one I got is a 115, no belt, and short with a slightly longer back/kidney panel than the sides. It is sweet and comfy for sure, actually my first Schott jacket besides a pea coat

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Quoting my own post some 7+ years ago

View attachment 114257 View attachment 114258 View attachment 114259 View attachment 114260 View attachment 114261 Greetings All:
I’ll toss my “E” in here because i love this monster. The leather on this one is so much different to feel than any of my others. Maybe because it’s an older one. Idk. I’m no expert but there is just something about this one that really does it for me. Heavy? Oh yeah! Drapes? Oh yeah! It’s a keeper!!
Let’s see some more.
Be well. Bowen

Re-posting this 7+ year old post not for vanity but to illustrate the generational appreciation of arguably Vanson’s most revered motorcycle jacket style with a story….
My 35 yo Son decided to start a father/son project with this old man while there was still time.
Restore a 76’ Honda 750 and make it our way. If that doesn’t move a Dad’s soul you don’t have a pulse.
Many hours, days, months and it’s on the road. He said when we finished he knew where to go to get a vintage leather MC jacket.
Well…he was right. He had said he was not a leather jacket guy over the years when i offered him any.
He rode up one day and was ready for a jacket. Dad was pumped. I have a house full of vintage jackets and I presented him any and all for him to choose whatever he wanted.
He passed on vintage Langlitz, Cals, Aero, etc. etc. I did not direct or suggest, just present.
He zeroed in on this E the second he put it on. I kept showing but i knew he knew.
No question, this E spoke far above the rest to a guy who knew zero about leather, labels, styles anything.
It was him, the feel, the fit like a soft glove, even the smell.
He knew not that that E was the exact one old Dad would have picked for him after this year or two Son/Dad bonding project and the 750.
Dad and Son had bonded over the vintage jacket as well as the epic vintage bike.
He shucked his cloth riding jacket, put on the E and rode off into the sunshine and old Dad’s heart rode with him.
On the way home he stopped for gas and got complimented on the bike as always but the jacket too. He was proud and learned a little about how leather makes an impression on people also.

This story illustrates why the Vanson E has been a flagship among MC jacket styles over the years.
Class and perfection in anything can never be under appreciated through the generations because it speaks a universal language that defies definition.
I’d argue this story illustrates that on several different levels.
Vanson accomplished this with their E. It’s revered for a reason.

Hope you all appreciated this old man’s musings.
I know i have enjoyed this vintage journey and if it doesn’t resonate….you don’t have a pulse.
Be well.
Bowen

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

The E back on the road again.
B

 

[Peter Mackin]

Quoting my own post some 7+ years ago

Re-posting this 7+ year old post not for vanity but to illustrate the generational appreciation of arguably Vanson’s most revered motorcycle jacket style with a story….
My 35 yo Son decided to start a father/son project with this old man while there was still time.
Restore a 76’ Honda 750 and make it our way. If that doesn’t move a Dad’s soul you don’t have a pulse.
Many hours, days, months and it’s on the road. He said when we finished he knew where to go to get a vintage leather MC jacket.
Well…he was right. He had said he was not a leather jacket guy over the years when i offered him any.
He rode up one day and was ready for a jacket. Dad was pumped. I have a house full of vintage jackets and I presented him any and all for him to choose whatever he wanted.
He passed on vintage Langlitz, Cals, Aero, etc. etc. I did not direct or suggest, just present.
He zeroed in on this E the second he put it on. I kept showing but i knew he knew.
No question, this E spoke far above the rest to a guy who knew zero about leather, labels, styles anything.
It was him, the feel, the fit like a soft glove, even the smell.
He knew not that that E was the exact one old Dad would have picked for him after this year or two Son/Dad bonding project and the 750.
Dad and Son had bonded over the vintage jacket as well as the epic vintage bike.
He shucked his cloth riding jacket, put on the E and rode off into the sunshine and old Dad’s heart rode with him.
On the way home he stopped for gas and got complimented on the bike as always but the jacket too. He was proud and learned a little about how leather makes an impression on people also.

This story illustrates why the Vanson E has been a flagship among MC jacket styles over the years.
Class and perfection in anything can never be under appreciated through the generations because it speaks a universal language that defies definition.
I’d argue this story illustrates that on several different levels.
Vanson accomplished this with their E. It’s revered for a reason.

Hope you all appreciated this old man’s musings.
I know i have enjoyed this vintage journey and if it doesn’t resonate….you don’t have a pulse.
Be well.
Bowen

My 400four was rebuilt over 3years ,love getting out on a sunny day,vanson E compliments it well.