A motorcycle mystery from Morocco

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We've just had the pleasure of receiving a letter from Morocco, which tells us:

I'm a Moroccan early motoring history buff.

Belonging to one of the last colonial families settled in the country, I am always looking for a good story. For some time, I have been in possession of this picture taken in the 1930s at the start line of the Anfa race circuit in Casablanca. This circuit was one of the most important in the Championnat Motocycliste du Maroc.

In the foreground we see a Moto Guzzi and behind a British bike that I can't identify. I would be grateful if someone could identify the model and brand. Big Guzzis were quite popular in endurance races like the Casablanca-Algiers. I would like to know if the pictured bikes are standard bikes or real competition ones.

Daniel Hadad

It's a very interesting and challenging question. It's not often we find pictures of pre-war motor-racing in Africa, so we're pleased to see this rather evocative shot from the Anfa Circuit, a street circuit in the western suburbs of Casablanca which opened in 1931 and was used, with varying layouts, for the Casablanca Grand Prix in 1931, 1932 and 1934.

It was likely used for a host of smaller events as well, as this picture would suggest, but it does not appear to have served any purpose after the war. The non-championship Moroccan Grand Prix was held at Agadir from 1954 to 1956, and at Casablanca's Ain-Diab road circuit in 1957 and 1958. In 1958, the Grand Prix was part of the Formula One World Championship, but it was also the last Grand Prix ever staged in Morocco.

As nice as all that is to know, it doesn't bring us any closer to answering Mr. Hadad's question. Here at PreWarCar.com, we like pre-war motorcycles very much, but we're not experts. Who can help us find the answer?

Words: Zack Stiling
 

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