Articles that Ben Branch has written have been covered on CNN, Popular Mechanics, Smithsonian Magazine, Road & Track Magazine, the official Pinterest blog, the official eBay Motors blog, BuzzFeed, Autoweek Magazine, Wired Magazine, Autoblog, Gear Patrol, Jalopnik, The Verge, and many more. Silodrome was founded by Ben back in 2010, in the years since the site has grown to become a world leader in the alternative and vintage motoring sector, with well over a million monthly readers from around the world and many hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.
Ben Branch -
Isle of Man TT – 1961
There’s something magical about vintage motor racing posters. This 1961 Isle of Man TT poster was designed for the 1961 race, despite the fact that it’s now 50 years old it looks better than any modern motorcycle racing advertising material you’ll see anywhere.
Honda CB750 Engine Cutaway
Considering the staggering popularity of the Honda CB750 as a platform for custom motorcycle builders, I thought perhaps it would be a good idea to post this great cutaway drawing of the CB750’s engine.
Harley XLH Racer by Vee Machine
This eye catching Harley XLH Racer was built by Vee Machine out of Japan, they’ve taken the base 1981 XLH and created an exceedingly capable racing bike, right down to the drilled heat sinks on the engine block.
Expanse Knife by Leatherman
A decent pocket knife is an essential tool in any self-respecting man’s arsenal, the Swiss Army Knives are great but perhaps a little passé with every man and his dog having at least one of the little red wonders lying around somewhere.
Honda Goldwing Café Racer
The Goldwing isn’t the most obvious choice for a café racer custom, that said, the Goldwing cafés that I have seen built have all been very capable looking and notably handsome motorcycles.
Ford Model-T Blueprint
These beautiful blueprints, or cyanotypes, are handmade in England using the same process created by Sir John Herschel in 1842. They come on heavy grade 300gsm paper and are possibly the perfect adornment for a garage or workshop wall.
The Whitney Straight Type 91
If you looked at this picture and instantly noticed that both front wheels are in the air, you aren’t alone. To this day the 1932 Whitney Straight Type 91 ex-Scuderia Ferrari Duesenberg is the fourth fastest car ever…
Lady Racer – Dane Rowe
This is another one of those brilliant photographs with no traceable backstory. It’s a captivating image so I decided to share it nonetheless. I’d love to know the tales behind the well worn leathers and slight scowl on her face
The Sportsman Flyer
The Sportsman Flyer is a modern take on the classic boardtracker-style of motorcycle, they’re built by Pat Dolan in Gilroy, California and rather surprisingly, they’re available to buy without breaking the bank.
Passo a Due – A Short Film
This film is a beautiful, slow-paced sojourn through the streets of Rome, if you’ve ever been to the Italian capital this short movie will evoke memories that perhaps snapshots couldn’t.
1954 DeSoto Adventurer II Concept Coupé
This masterpiece of automotive design came from the collective genius of the Ghia designers back in 1954. Based on a Chrysler Imperial chassis the DeSoto Adventurer II…
BSA Sidecar Racing
I’ve always been fascinated with motorcycle sidecar racing, although I have to admit, my fascination and desire to have a go both centre around me sitting in the drivers seat.