Classic motorsport images from the golden era of racing

Even with the addition of some rugged denim, Niki Lauda is still the world’s least convincing cool dude on a motorbike

Mike Hailwood, during his bandito moustache phase. I’m not sure the blazer and tie, motorcycle and ‘tache are a convincing combination. I think those ladies are lying about how impressed they are.

Mike Hailwood. This is the only pic of Mike I’ve seen where he has a full head of hair. Nice jumper, too.

Niki Lauda, Marlene Lauda and the Lauda children in 1984. (I think at least one of the kids might be a cousin, actually).
Niki is still the world’s least convincing cool dude on a motorcycle.

Ayrton in motorcycle leathers. Who'd have thought?

Biker boys behaving badly! Phil Read advertises Yamaha.
Normally, I’m not a fan of tacky sex-sell adverts, but this is equal-ops nakedness, and is too funny not to share

Not big, not clever, but, look, Niki Lauda, this is how to be a convincing cool dude on a motorbike.

Ron Haslam taught the Marquez brothers and Valentino Rossi all they needed to know. Guy Martin’s whole style is clearly nicked off Rocket Ron.

Graham Hill and Francois Cevert re-enact some scenes from Easy Rider. Francois has more success in getting the Easy Rider look, but Graham’s moustache just about does the job.

Niki Lauda & Jody Scheckter at the Grand Prix de Monaco, 1973

Ayrton Senna in Monaco, won big races and bought an apartment