1974 Jamathi 50 Grand Prix
1974 Jamathi 50 Grand Prix
Successful Dutch partnership
Holland has always been an excellent breeding-ground for skilled tuners, particularly of small-capacity two-strokes. It’s been amply proved by the excellent performance achieved by the Van Veen Kreidlers and the success of Jan Thiel and Martin Mijwaart.
Towards the World Championship
The association between Thiel and Mijwaart was formed in 1959. Their first Jamathi was a conventional 50cc machine, but the two partners extracted the most from it. Their rider, Paul Lodewijkx, obtained good results at the national level, encouraging them to compete in the 1967 World Championship. Lodewijkx won his first GP the following year.
Successful Sequel
Aalt Toersen succeeded him in 1970, and challenged Nieto for the world title; then Theo Timmer finished third in the same championship in 1972-73. Lack of funds brought the Jamathi story to an end in 1974, and Thiel and Mijwaart hired their expertise to the Italian Piovaticci team in 1975; then, when lack of finance forced that team out of racing too, the Dutch duo joined Bultaco for 1976 — the ex-Piovaticci machines ran with the logo of the Spanish company on their tanks and won the 50cc World Championship in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1981. In 1982, Thiel and Mijwaart joined Garelli, where, thanks to their talents as engine preparers and their “signature” monocoque frame, their machines took the World Championship in 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1987.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 49cc (40x39mm) water-cooled single cylinder; electronic ignition
Power Rating: 18 hp @ 17,000 rpm
Valves: two-stroke; rotary intake valve fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 6-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm (rear)
Brakes: drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 2.00×18 inch (front); 225×18 inch (rear)
Weight: 132 lb
Maximum Speed: 112 mph
Jan Bruins, at the Belgian GP at Spain 1974, was one of the last riders to achieve distinction in the 50cc World Championship on a Jamathi.
This and many other Atlas Editions Classic Motorcycle cards are available for purchase.
