I think the upper Aero Hercules and lower SB/AL Spiegel illustrates the point @Sloan1874 was trying to make. One can definitely see the similarity between the two patterns.
I would say the Seabiscuit and the Grizzly because they're really unique. Also the Sunburst.
John Lofgren Monkey Boots Shinki Horsebuttt - $1,136 The classic monkey boot silhouette in an incredibly rich Shinki russet horse leather.
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - $395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks.
Schott 568 Vandals Jacket - $1,250 The classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket, in a very special limited-edition Schott double rider style. Cafe Racer and Maxwell. The Highwayman is definitely the most 'useful' to me, though.
For some reason I could never get on with the Mandarin style collar on a classic cafe racer design. I had one (not an Aero) years ago, and sold it for that reason. Course, I love to wear a leather jacket with collar and tie - and waistcoat, if I can - a la Howard Hughes; I think a collared jacket is just better suited to going with a tie.
Even still, every so often I see a classic cafe racer, more cut like the Aero Board Racer, and I do wonder... Possibly one of those styles I'd buy on the right used deal, but won't gravitate towards 'new'.
I don't wear leather jackets with a shirt and tie unless it's a long one over a suit (black Stockman) and it's raining six-nil. For me, a cafe racer is best worn with a plain long sleeve t-shirt (nothing collared). I also think that mine worked best when I had lost weight and had a thinner neck and face. More 'roomy' cuts definitely work better than a cafe racer when I am more 'generous' of face.
If I had to limit myself to one Aero jacket, it would be the highwayman with the bootlegger a close second in CXL horse of course.
My current is the Barnstormer. No idea when I'd ever wear it, but I honestly think about it during both my waking and sleeping hours. Now that they make it with the detachable belt, even better.![]()