12 Facts About Phil Irving

Philip Edward Irving was an Australian engineer and author, most famous for the Repco-Brabham Formula One and Vincent motorcycle engines.

Phil Irving worked at Velocette motorcycles, twice and designed the engine of the 1960 EMC 125cc racer.

Between 1926 and 1929, Phil Irving jointly owned and operated a motorcycle workshop in the regional town of Ballarat, Australia, with Ken Granter.

Phil Irving had two stints working for Vincent; in the early thirties and from 1943 when he worked at Stevenage as Vincent's Chief Engineer.

Phil Irving designed the prototype Model 'O' Velocette, a shaft-drive twin cylinder machine of 600cc capacity and loosely based on the supercharged 500cc racing machine known as 'The Roarer'.

Phil Irving remained in UK until 1949 when he returned home to Australia, after the Vincent motorcycle business was put into receivership under Mr C E Baillie.

Phil Irving held the presidency until his death on 14 January 1992.

Phil Irving was awarded an MBE in the Queen's 1976 New Year Honours List for his "services to automotive engineering".

Phil Irving's award was announced in the Supplement to The London Gazette dated 31 December 1976.

In later life, Phil Irving lived permanently in Australia based at Warrandyte, on the outskirts of Melbourne, where he had a small workshop.

Phil Irving never stopped his practical involvement with engines and especially with Vincent motorcycles.

Phil Irving's life was devoted to his passion for motorcycles and motor racing.