We were tasked by Gary Cartmell, a reputable collector, to rebuild the 1986 Thorpe World Championship RC500 - a daunting prospect indeed. This 30-year-old bike, given to Dave Thorpe by HRC for winning the FIM World Championship, had seen better days. Despite missing titanium fasteners and showing its age, we stripped it down to its bare frame for a thorough inspection.

The rebuild was a meticulous process, involving sourcing original parts from across Europe and overcoming unexpected challenges like cracked magnesium forks. This bike was truly ahead of its time, featuring a trick lowboy tank with a fuel pump and bent right-hand radiator. After over a year of painstaking work, including refitting over 100 titanium fasteners, the moment of truth arrived. Tension filled the air as we prepared to start the most famous 500 MXer in the world for the first time in 30 years. True to its HRC pedigree, it roared to life on the first kick, a testament to its enduring quality and the dedication poured into its restoration.