One of the most unusual motorcycles ever built — the Quasar — will be on display at the VMCC stand at the Stafford International Classic Motorcycle Show, sponsored by Carole Nash. With just 17 ever produced (1975-1982), this rare machine continues to fascinate riders and enthusiasts alike.
A Motorcycle Like No Other
Love them or hate them, few machines provoke debate quite like the Quasar. With its enclosed bodywork, feet-forward riding position and automotive influences, it challenged everything people thought a motorcycle should be.
Designed by Malcolm Newell and Ken Leaman, the Quasar was never intended to follow convention — and it still doesn’t.
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Limited Numbers, Big Ideas
Just 17 Quasars were built during a five-year production run, making it one of the rarest British machines of its era. Early bikes were constructed in Bristol, with later examples built in Calne.
Powered by a Reliant 850cc four-cylinder engine — more commonly found in the Reliant Robin — the Quasar offered strong real-world performance, with cruising speeds of 90–100mph and impressive fuel economy.
Ahead of Its Time
What really set the Quasar apart was its layout.
Instead of the traditional riding position, the rider sits feet-forward inside a semi-enclosed body, complete with a roof, windscreen, wipers and even a heater.
There is storage behind the rider, optional panniers and even space for a passenger, although it remains a compact environment and you’d need a close relationship with them…
The Bike at Stafford
The machine appearing at Stafford — registration FHR 942W — is a significant example. It is the third Quasar built at Romarsh, making it the 10th of the 17 produced.
For many years it was displayed in the foyer of the National Motorcycle Museum (https://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk) before being purchased in late 2025 by John Young. Following recommissioning, it is now back on the road and being used regularly.
A Challenge on the Horizon
In May 2026, John Young plans to ride the Quasar 1,000 miles in 24 hours as part of an Iron Butt Association SS1000 challenge, raising money for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
For more information or to support the charity, visit:
https://www.acorns.org.uk
See It at Stafford
Visitors to the Stafford International Classic Motorcycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash will be able to see this remarkable machine up close.
Full event details and ticket information can be found here: Buy your Stafford tickets now and save £5 per ticket!
https://www.classicbikeshows.com/stafforda
Whether viewed as bold innovation or unconventional thinking, the Quasar remains one of the most distinctive motorcycles ever produced.
