r/OldSchoolCool Oct 09 '25

1950s A ton-up girl fixing her Triumph, 1950s

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u/wemtastic Oct 09 '25

Ton-up” came from British slang for hitting the ton, 100 mph. In the 1950s most bikes barely managed 80, so anyone who cracked the ton, especially a woman, instantly earned respect at the Ace Cafe.

411

u/KennethPatchen Oct 09 '25

My mom always brags about the time she did a ton-up near the Thames. She wasn't driving but still!

404

u/FoxyBastard Oct 09 '25

The fact that she was running is more impressive.