Mason Motors Motorcycle Dealer - Pasadena, California
Mason Motors
Original Mason Motors motorcycle license plate frame. This frame accepts that larger black license plate as used up to approx 1968.
As time passes by, history and information seems to get swept away. I have always wanted to know more information about the motorcycle dealer called "Mason Motors" that was located in Pasadena, CA. Just recently, I picked up an original Mason Motors motorcycle license plate frame from an online auction in wonderful shape. With my new finding, it has prompted me to do some researching.
Mason Motors dealer sticker. For sale at one point on eBay
Mason Motors motorcycle shop address was located at 3360 E Colorado Blvd, in Pasadena, CA. Those who are familiar with the Pasadena area, you might be aware that the west coast Triumph distributor "Johnson Motors" was located actually right down the street from Mason Motors. So you had 2 Triumph dealers right down the street from one another.
-"Clean Business Is Good Business"
Article from 1961 / 1962 showing the inside and outside of Mason Motors. I wonder where those bikes are at now?
I am not sure if Mason Motors sold new motorcycles. From what I have read, they appeared to only sell Triumph and Ariel motorcycles, but I could be wrong. The page above was pulled from a magazine (credits to "showandgo"). The advertisement in the showroom floor reads "1962" so I would assume that this photo was taken in late 1961 or perhaps 1962. You can clearly see the Triumph "Duplex" twins further in the back of the floor. Notice that the Tiger Cub and the twins all have the passenger safety seat strap?
Mason Motors building still stands today. Now a liquor store. (courtesy: Google Maps)
Although Mason Motors is long gone, the building still remains and appears to be unchanged. Now a local Liquor store. Boy have times have sure changed.. If anyone has more history, information, or photos about Mason Motors I would be very grateful for you to share and I will update this blog post.
Classic British Spares
@Daz – they went out of business in the 1970’s. Thanks for commenting today!
Daz
Hi… I’ve just picked up a Yamaha xs650 1981 with a Mason motors plaque on the rear mudguard..Do you know when they actually stopped trading or did they just move ??
Classic British Spares
@Dennis Morgan They appear to be. The showroom in the photo looks large, but in reality, after seeing the current liquor store, it’s very, very small. Thanks for reading Dennis!
Classic British Spares
@Russell Hudson It is sad I agree. At least the building still stands, to me, that leaves a little history for us to enjoy. Thanks for reading today!
Dennis Morgan
Love the old photo. Looks like a triumph bobber next to the cub. Are those stuffed animals on the bikes in the back row??.