The bike was brought from its present home in France to Cleckheaton a fortnight ago by its owner Jos Evers who had spent years restoring it from a ruinous condition.

But while he and the Chariot enjoyed a triumphant welcome back to Spen from former Phelon and Moore employees, its glory was short-lived.

Just after disembarking the ferry in Rotterdam on its way home, it was involved in an accident with a car driving on the wrong side of the road.

Jos was catapulted over the car's bonnet, but thankfully landed on his feet and while he was a bit battered and bruised he suffered no serious injuries.

The Chariot, however, was not so fortunate, and Jos now faces the task of restoring it once again.

Jos explained to the Guardian and Herald what happened.

"I'd just left the ferry at Hook in the Netherlands, and was heading in the direction of Rotterdam, when suddenly an English registered car came from the right hand on the wrong side of the road," he said.

"There was not enough room to avoid the car or to come to a standstill so while using my brakes I prepared for the crash, while holding a firm grip on my handlebars the best I could.

"When I hit the car, I was swung off my Panther and somersaulted over the car. I saw my life passing by, and was surprised when I landed on my feet with just a bleeding scratch on my nose.

"I went straight to the people in the car and thank God they were okay.

"Then I looked to the Chariot and felt really sad to see all the damage. The wooden box which did its job so well all those years at P&M, and the little time I was using it, was completely in pieces, as was the windscreen.

"The front forks and wheel are ready for the scrapman, and cannot be saved. The headlamp is gone, as is the front mudguard, so my quest to restore it now begins again!

"I hope to find the right bits, and to put the Chariot back on the road again.