‘Speed is Expensive’ available for home viewing
Category: Blu-ray's and DVD's
“I feel the need, the need for speed.” Those words were famously uttered in the 1986 movie Top Gun. Let’s face it. Speed has been an important element in human history. Think of the Olympics. So, when one young man, Philip Vincent, often referred to as an eccentric engineer, decided to build the world’s fastest motorcycle, he put everything he had into that project. Lo and behold, he did it. Speed is Expensive tells the story of Vincent, his life, dedication, and his motorcycles.
In 1955 he finally achieved his goal of breaking the world speed record. At 185 mph, his Vincent topped the charts. Now, if you haven’t heard of the Vincent motorcycles, don’t feel left out. They are not as prevalent as BMWs or Harley Davidsons. But in the day they were the cycles to have.
His story is remarkable and shows the dedication and perseverance embodied by Vincent and his team. Today motorcycle aficionados like Jay Leno, Ryan Reynolds, and even Brad Pitt enjoy their Vincent bikes.
Motorcycles are often featured in American films: Easy Rider, The World’s Fastest Indian, Wild Hogs, The Wild One, Ghost Rider, and more highlight the riders’ affection with their bikes. On any Sunday in many cities and towns around the country, bikers take off on their carefree excursions to get away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. Today’s bikers are not gang-type portrayed in the 1950s films. Rather they are doctors, lawyers, and other professionals who simply enjoy the freedom of riding.
While these weekend riders enjoy their bikes, non of them enjoy the sheer speed encountered by those who race at places like the Bonneville Salt Flats. It is there where many land speed records have been broken, including by the Vincent.
Now, think of how much money people put into their beloved bikes then compare that number to the $1.2 million paid by an Australian collector who bought a Vincent Black Lightning, making it the most expensive motorcycle ever sold.
Motorcycle enthusiasts will be entertained with this documentary. And for those who never heard of a Vincent motorcycle, it is an education.
Speed is Expensive, narrated by Ewen McGregor, will be released on DVD and Digital September 26, 2023. Rev up your engine for a look at this historic enterprise and dedicated engineer.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.