Royal Enfield dropped Indian name in U.S. for 1960

American Motorcycling of November, 1959 announced Royal Enfield was back.

"Royal Enfield Returns Under Own Name."

That was the headline of what no doubt was the official Royal Enfield press release in the November, 1959 edition of American Motorcyclist magazine.

This was the moment Royal Enfield came out from behind the "Indian" badge in the United States to — briefly — take its shot at establishing a reputation of its own. These would be glorious years, featuring the mighty Interceptor. But they would be only too brief — over by 1970 — leaving the brand too little known in the U.S. even today.

But, in 1959, there were high hopes.

"Royal Enfield motorcycles return to the United States under their own name, with a new look and many new models. 1960 motorcycles are already enroute to this country," the press release announces. It continues:

"There will be four 700cc models equipped with 52 HP engines. These are claimed to be the most powerful vertical twins in the world today.

"Royal Enfield will introduce the ultra-modern 'Airflow 700' with full streamlined front fairing, giving excellent protection and comfort to the rider, plus increased gas mileage and speed.

"The 500cc 'Fury' scrambler incorporates a newly designed large racing head with 1 1/2 inch G-P carburetor and cams that are so versatile that they bring the power range in at 2000 RPM through 6800 RPM. 250cc scrambles models will be available shortly after the first of the year.

"The Enfield Cycle Company, Ltd., of Redditch, England has established Cooper Motors of Los Angeles as their distributor for the West and Midwestern states. Gene Shillingford & Sons of Philadelphia will be covering the Middle and South Atlantic states. The Fenchurch Corp. of New York is now representing the Enfield Company, appointing distributors and dealers in the remaining territories.

"Spare parts depots have been established to cover the U.S.A. The locations are Los Angeles, Detroit and Philadelphia.

"Frank Cooper and George Caswell of Cooper Motors, Gene and Elmer Shillingsford of Philadelphia and J.D. Bolz of the Fenchurch Corp. have just concluded a meeting in Columbus, Ohio, to coordinate their operations for an extensive sales campaign."

The press release was on Page 27. Not surprisingly, a full page age announcing Royal Enfield's return was on Page 3 of the magazine.

No more feathers and war paint for Royal Enfield.