Phantom EG1 – Erasmus’ Gamble
This is the incredible story of the Phantom Motorcycle Company—its birth, its mysterious disappearance, and its unexpected return—told through the remarkable Phantom EG1.
The Phantom EG1 (where “EG” stands for Erasmus Gamble) is a tribute to a forgotten era, when British gentlemen chased speed records on the oval track of Brooklands.
It was the 1920s, a time when motorcycle racing was a pursuit reserved for a select few enthusiasts.
From a Pub to the Birth of Phantom
The story begins in 1919, in an English pub, where a young entrepreneur, Erasmus Thump, head of an engineering company, was having a drink with his partner, Tito Bottomly.
Suddenly, a rider appeared, quite literally throwing his motorcycle to the side of the road. The incident sparked their curiosity, and after speaking with the bike’s owner, Enoch Podsnap, they reached the same conclusion: not only could they build a better motorcycle, they had to.
And so, Thump, Bottomly, and Podsnap founded the Phantom Motorcycle Company. They hired a secretary, Mabel Ramsbottom, a few workers, and began small-scale production of racing motorcycles, with Podsnap serving as the official test rider.
Everything was running smoothly until 1929, when Mabel, as she did every morning, arrived at work only to find the door locked with a heavy padlock. None of the employees had been paid for a month and she was told not to return.
The doors remained shut, and the three founders disappeared from the scene forever.
Ghost Stories… The Return After 80 Years
Nothing happened for decades, until around 2005, when Mrs. Ramsbottom, now living in a nursing home, asked the staff to contact Erasmus Thump.
Apparently, she had somehow discovered the long-lost key to the Phantom premises. With the help of two nurses, she managed to reopen doors that had been closed for more than eight decades.
Over the years, Mabel had maintained contact with Thump and Podsnap, and convinced them to help form a new team capable of building a motorcycle worthy of the Phantom name.
Frosty, Eddie, and Dickie took on the project, receiving an enormous amount of information from the founders via email, including the design for the Phantom EG1.
This fascinating story is narrated by Mark Frost from his home in Mugello and it could easily serve as the script for a feature film.
The Phantom EG1 blends the style and road manners of a 1920s motorcycle, 1940s detailing, 1960s engine technology, and 1990s braking systems. A diverse yet strikingly harmonious creation.
Phantom EG1 – A Rolling Work of Art
The handcrafted frame of the Phantom EG1 is inspired by the 1920 BRS Norton “Race Special.” Every weld has been meticulously studied; brass is used to reduce stiffness and enhance suspension feel, a technique once employed in racing Norton and Triumph machines at Brooklands.
The chassis is modular, with the upper frame tubes, fuel tank, and engine mounts designed to accommodate a wide range of engines, from inline-four units (such as a Nimbus), to a 350cc JAP single, or even a large V-twin.
The oil tank is integrated into the frame, subtly revealed beneath a polished cover under the seat. The seat itself is a small masterpiece of British craftsmanship, featuring leaf springs and hand-stitched leather, staying true to the Brooklands spirit. The final finish is “Phantom Blue,” perfectly aligned with the motorcycle’s heritage.
Extremely Limited Production
Around 2010, Phantom estimated a production capacity of approximately six motorcycles per year, a limitation largely due to the fact that each Phantom EG1 was built entirely to the specifications and preferences of its future owner.
Before construction began, a detailed consultation would take place to define every element: wheels, brakes, engine, colors, seat, handlebars, and every other customizable feature.
The goal was clear: to create a true time machin, —one that would transport its fortunate owner back to the 1920s, when Brooklands stood at the heart of British motorsport.
(Alright, they may not have become… Harley-Davidson—but that doesn’t make their story any less compelling.)
From what it seems, they succeeded. Although today, if you try to track them down, you might have a hard time finding them.
Then again—if you could, what kind of “Phantom” would they be?
Phantom EG1 – Specifications
Price: £20,000 – £75,000 (depending on owner specifications – 2010 prices)
Engine: Norton Twin, four-stroke
Displacement: 750 cc
Top Speed: 120 mph
Max Power: 56 hp
Bore x Stroke: 73 x 89 mm
Cooling: Air-cooled
Carburetor: Amal Mk II
Ignition: Magneto
Transmission: 4-speed
Chassis Frame: Norton-style tubular frame with BRS steel
Front Suspension: Girdraulic
Rear Suspension: Springs beneath the seat
Weight: 136 kg
Wheelbase: 1,778 mm
Seat Height: 787 mm
Fuel Capacity: 5.9 liters
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