Description
Beryl Swain and the Itom 50cc (Isle of Man TT 1962)

In June 1962, a 26-year-old secretary from Walthamstow, London, made history in the world of motorsports by becoming the first woman to compete in a solo motorcycle race at the dreaded Isle of Man Tourist Trophy.

Riding a modest red-and-cream Itom 50cc Astor Super Sport —mechanically prepared by her husband Eddie Swain and supported by the City Super Sports (CSS) shop—Beryl tackled the Mountain Course (60 km per lap) in the Ultra-Lightweight 50cc TT class.

Features
- Model: Itom 50 Astor Super Sport (TT Special).
- Engine: 2-stroke, single-cylinder, 49.5 cc, air-cooled.
- Transmission: 3-speed gearbox (with track-adapted handlebar-mounted shifter).
- Power and Performance: ~8.5 CV at 11,500 RPM, reaching a top speed of approximately 120–125 km/h.
- Chassis and Weight: Steel-tube cradle frame with full fiberglass fairing; weighs only 52 kg.

The 1962 TT Feat
Starting with race number #54, Beryl completed the two laps of the demanding circuit in 1 hour, 21 minutes, and 24 seconds, achieving an average speed of 77.72 km/h (48.3 mph).

The achievement was a tremendous technical feat: on the second lap, the transmission lost third gear, forcing her to ride more than 40 kilometers in second gear to keep the engine within its power band without breaking it. She crossed the finish line in 22nd place out of 28 qualifiers.

The Subsequent Controversy
The feat sparked a strong reaction in the conservative motorcycle racing community of the 1960s. Arguing that the TT was “too dangerous for women,” the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation) passed an amendment that revoked the racing licenses of female riders, prohibiting their participation in Grand Prix events.

This restriction remained in place until 1978, making Beryl Swain and her red Itom an undisputed symbol of courage and history within the sport.

Credits
Irgam