Thanks for that Arthur.
You summed up Percy nicely!
To me, he was in the Joey Dunlop mould to a certia extent.
I have a sharp memory of Percy out for the evening at the once trendy
Groudle Glen. He looked smart - ish but as you say, a real rough diamond.
But, a legend nevertheless.
Thats him and Slipery Sam.....

I have to say that your mention of "everyone had a transit van" does
conjur up racing in the 50s and 60s!
For some reason, more so at Thruxton for me than anywhere.
I seem to remember one David Croxford arriving in such a van filled
with waht was almost works mahinery.
Of course, Ecurie Sportive (or team Hailwood) also arrived in the
venerable vehicle.

Happy days eh?

I was thinking of the "all in a Transit van" scene while enjoying the
Klaafi Honda VIP Hospitality day in what was a high rise block compared to a transit van