[4] In 1951, Coleman secured a works contract with the British manufacturer, Associated Motorcycles, who produced AJS, and Matchless machines.
[6] On 27 April 1952, Coleman won the prestigious, pre-season Mettet Grand Prix invitational race.
Coleman met and married an English woman, Jacqueline Etherington, and they returned to Whanganui where he ran a thriving motorcycle and car business.
[8] He provided financial support for many New Zealand motorcycle racers including; three-times World Champion Hugh Anderson, Keith Turner, Dave and Neville Hiscock, Andrew Stroud, Robert Holden and Dennis Ireland, as well as American rider Pat Hennen and Belgian rider, Gaston Rahier.
[8] In the 2001 New Year Honours, Coleman was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to motorcycling.