Former Cycle World editor David Edwards knows a thing or three about motorcycles. Anyone whose knowledge of two-wheeled machinery runs this deep and wide can't risk being caught with just any old bike in his personal stable.

In 2006, Mr. Edwards commissioned Wes White at Four Aces to build this time machine, inspired by Bill Vukovich's 1952 Indianapolis-winning roadster. The net result is a show-stopping pre-unit Triumph that seems to gather trophies at every event it makes an appearance at.

Click the image above for a desktop-sized photo
 

Owner: David Edwards

Location: Newport Beach, CA

Builder: Wes White at Four Aces Cycle, Pacoima, CA

Engine: 1948 500cc Triumph Speedtwin

Frame: 1948 Triumph 3T; smaller frame, lighter for racing, popular combination in the '40s and '50s. Requires ultra-rare TR5 and Grand Prix primary covers to pull it off

Fork: Stock Triumph with 8-inch scoop brake plate

Chassis mods: Only the classic Wassel peanut tank

Tire/wheel size and style: Avon Speedmaster 21" in front On WM1x21 Dunlop rim; Firestore Champion Deluxe 4.00x19 rear on Dunlop 19" rim. Center painted rims mimic stock painted rims of the 1940's

Doodads: Lots and lots of '50s period goodies. MCM rocker inspection caps; Webco dual carb manifold; dual Monoblock Amal carbs; Peanut Tank, TR5 King Bee headlight, custom headlight bracket; MCM aftermarket taillight; Paul Cox tooled leather Seat, MCM swoopy ram's horn exhaust

Wes's favorite thing about this bike: "I like the pipes. They are very rare and extremely difficult to find in good, re-chromeable shape. Best part is the story behind finding them. I found the right side at a shop here in the Valley and not an hour later I found the other side at Mike Parti's Garage right around the corner. Have seen maybe three other sets in 10 years of doing this stuff"

Next modification: PLEASE DON'T CHANGE IT!

Bill Vukovich and the 1953 Indy-winning roadster that inspired the bike

Thanks to: fouracescycle for the build and Rick Grindle for the paintwork