My Classic Motorcycle

2026-09-16T13:52:07.736-07:00

Greenwich Concours 2026

When the Greenwich Concours was acquired by insurance giant Hagerty just before Covid brought the world to a halt, there was concern that it might lose it's essential essence as a small, but well regarded East Coast Concours. Instead, Hagerty supremo McKeel Hagerty brought the required injection of corporate organizational skills, professionalism and funding to elevate the event to new levels not seen before. Whether you're into motorcycles or automobiles, Greenwich delivers some machines each year along with talented and knowledgeable staff to educate and demonstrate why these vehicles are so special.

###

2026-09-14T08:47:00.985-07:00

Greenbrier Concours 2026

Situated in picturesque White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, the Greenbrier Resort Hotel is an oasis to behold. Expansive and majestic in scale, the hotel itself is an icon of design and has a storied history. It's proximity to Washington, D.C. was one reason why the federal government chose to create an emergency bunker (hidden in plain sight) in the hotel. You can actually tour the bunker if you're visiting. The interior design of the hotel was by Dorothy Draper and is unforgettably eye-catching. The Greenbrier offers Southern hospitality at its finest!

###

2025-09-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

28th Annual Radnor Hunt Concours

Honored Guest Erik Buell

Erik Buell arrived on Friday in time to enjoy the opening night barbeque where a 1914 Henderson Four and two 1938 Harley-Davidson motorcycles were displayed to tease the audience of what was to come this weekend. Bright and early Saturday morning, the Bill O'Connell Memorial Road Rally entrants gathered with 100 participants in cars ranging from an 100 year old Moon automobile to the only two motorcycle's to compete this year, the 1938 Harley EL and UL. It's a little more than challenging with a paper map of clues to follow when you are riding solo on a motorcycle, but off they went to enjoy a great morning of Chester County, PA back roads. Mr. Buell helped navigate for motorcycle judge Andy Reid, who was driving a 2025 Rolls Royce Ghost. After the rally, the entrants enjoyed a delicious lunch and rested up for the evenings activities.

The Black Tie Gala is a tradition at Radnor Hunt that celebrates the featured artist of the year, Jerry Keefer, a Silent Auction to benefit Thorncroft Equestrian Therapy and a chance to hear from our honored guests, Erik Buell and David Hobbs in an elegant setting. Food, wine and cigars were all top-notch and attendees danced the night away and swapped stories into the late hours of the evening.

September 7, 20205 was a day to remember for the attendees and entrants of the 28th Annual Radnor Hunt Concours. After two days of sunny weather, we arrived at the gates of the beautiful hunt club in dark and rainy conditions at 6:30 AM for set up. Despite the wet conditions, it was all smiles from the folks who'd come from far and wide to show their vehicles in the unique rolling countryside location that is Radnor Hunt, conveniently located about 30 minutes west of Philadelphia. When the trailer doors were lowered and vehicles of the two and four wheel variety started up their engines, the excitement was in the air. Race cars and shooting brakes mixed it up with motorcycle sidecars and exotic, limited edition machines to fill the show field. Things were looking up despite of the off and on rain. Within the time span of an hour and a half, the grass was filled with incredible vehicles. Judges huddled to strategize and vendors opened their doors to an eager public who showed up ready to enjoy a tradition here in this part of the country.

photo by Ken Visser

As luck would have it, the rain retreated and the sun came out. With that, the crowds appeared and the show commenced. Entrants stood at the ready to share their stories about their vehicles as eager judges wasted no time scoring the motorcycles and cars before lunch time. Deliberations were made and decisions rendered in a timely fashion. Speaking of fashion, the Style Awards celebrated the link between fashion and vehicles with winners of Best Dressed Male, Female, Couple and Vintage were recognized. Rally winners were announced and not long afterwards, the motorcycle trophies were awarded.

photo by Roger Lyle

photo by Richard Bauman

Best of Show 1978 Ducati 900SS

photo by Ken Visser

2025 Radnor Hunt Concours motorcycle results

Best of Show: 1978 Ducati 900SS / Owner: Thomas Amzynski

Spirit of Radnor Hunt: 1913 Henderson Four Deluxe /

Owner: David Markel

Chosen by our Honored Guest Erik Buell

Historical Significance: 1938 Harley-Davidson EL / Owner: Cindy Mesmer

Preservation Award: 1941 Indian 842 / Owner: Stephen duPont

American 1900-1949 1) 1939 Indian Four / Owner: Joseph Ritchey

American 1950-2000 2) 1987 Buell RR1000 Battle twin / Owner: Razz Ravel

Euro Sport 1) 1937 BMW R5 / Owner: Christopher Aker

Euro Sport Post 2) 1005 Ducati 916 / Owner: The Petrol Vault

Paddock to Podium Class

Competition Pre-1970 1) 1961 AJS 7R ‘Bob McIntyre Special / Owner: Team Obsolete, Robert Iannucci

Competition Post 1970 2) 1973 Harley-Davidson XRTT / Owner: Team Obsolete, Robert Iannucci

###

2025-05-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

Quail Moto Fest

Featured Class

Italian Innovation by Bimota

The sign says it all

Bimota motorcycles were the intersection of Italian art and engineering excellence from the earliest days. Founded in Rimini in 1973, the three principles were Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri, Massimo Tamburini. The first two letters of their surnames formed the name for their new company, Bimota. They started in the HVAC business before pivoting to motorcycles and never looked back. Their machines offered superior handling and creative engineering solutions combined with cutting edge styling.

Deciphering the Bimota models: Bimota motorcycles use the first name of the engine supplier for each model, so a DB is a Ducati Bimota, HB is Honda Bimota, KB is Kawasaki Bimota, YB is Yamaha. The number that follows is the number of models in that series, so you will see designations like DB1, DB2, DB3 etc.

The next time you see a Bimota, take a moment to soak in the details. Lightweight metal components are mixed with fiberglass and in newer models, carbon fiber. Suspension and brakes are always the best available at the time of production. Bimota has partnered with Kawasaki recently and used the supercharged H2 platform to bring performance to levels never dreamed of before.

The Italian Innovation Bimota class at Quail Moto Fest featured sixteen models that included rare racers like the YB1, a formidable production racer, the World Championship winning YB4R, The Tesi 3-D and many more. I was part of the judging team tasked with choosing the best of the best. It was an eye-watering collection to behold. Many thanks to the Moto Fest organizers for pulling together such an outstanding collection.

1992 YB8

1982 Bimota KB2 Laser TT

1987 DB1

1987 YB4R

Virginio Ferrari Championship winning TTF1 Class factory racer

1987 YB4R Virginio Ferrari works racer

Winner of the Bimota class award

1981 KB1A

ex-Graziano Rossi

YB4R

KB1A

1998 V-DUE

2008 TESI 3-D

1974 YB1

1996 YB9SR

Supercharged Kawasaki Bimota

YB5 getting scrutinized by the judges

2008 Tesi 3-D

The Bimota 2011 DB8 Oro Nero

###

2024-11-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

The 10th Annual Audrain Newport Concours
The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island

Team Obsolete's Sonia Ewers with the 1947 AJS E90 Porcupine - the motorcycle that

AJS "works" racer Les Graham won the first FIM 500cc World Championship Class with.

Peugeot 156, Duesenberg and Cadillac waiting at the gates of The Breakers in the

early morning hours to load vehicles on to the show field.

Delivering the AJS Porcupine and the Triple Knocker to the Concours

Spikey fins of the AJS E90 Porcupine

Last year's road class winner Cindy Mesmer was back with another stellar restoration, her 1938 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead.

Buzz Kanter and Tabetha Kanter were showing this unrestored 1913 Indian 7hp V-Twin.

Racer John Long was on hand to demonstrate Jimmy Gubelmann's 1969 Triumph Triple 750.

This unrestored 1949 Peugeot 156 two-stroke was typical of the machines that helped put Europe back on two-wheels in the early post was years.

Judges chatting with Seth Rosko from Brooklyn-based Team Obsolete

about the 1954 AJS 7R3 Triple Knocker.

Paul Ousey and the 1905 Monarch Motor Bicycle

Cindy Mesmer becomes a two-time winner with the 1938 Harley-Davidson EL

Team Obsolete's Sonia and Seth took the Competition Class with the 1947 AJS E90.

The 125cc Webco Rickman Hodaka of Paul Stannard was a crowd-pleaser.

Dick Shappy brought this colorful 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead.

1939 BMW 328 Roadster

1973 Renault Alpine A110

Wood-bodied 1920 Rolls Royce

Appropriate luggage for a trip to The Breakers in the 1970 Mercedes 280 SL Coupe

1957 GAZ Volga M-21V with custom scale model

1951 Ferrari 212 Export Vignale Coupe

1948 Afla Romeo 6C Tear Drop Coupe

1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Scaglietti Coupe

1957 Lotus 11 LeMans Sports Racer was raced at the 1957 Mille Miglia

1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Sedan

The sublime 1959 Maserati 3500 GT Bertone Coupe was a one-of-one design that

was chosen as the Best of Show for the 2024 Audrian Newport Concours.

The Land Rovers of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II were featured at the Audrain Newport Concours with displays showing how and when they were used.

2024-11-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

Hail Britannia at Radnor Hunt Concours 2024

The 27th Annual Radnor Hunt Concours celebrated British motorcycles under sunny skies on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Our Honored Guest was author, racer and award-winning journalist Alan Cathcart. Mr. Cathcart enjoys automobiles nearly as much as motorcycles and spent some time with his favorite machines during the weekend.

Dick Miles arriving with his 1937 Norton Inter, a 500cc racing International

Alan Cathcart, Dick Miles, John Lawless and Chief Judge emeritus Bob Coy

with Mr. Miles' Manx Norton, 1 of 2 built on the last day of production

Alan Cathcart with John Lawless and the Team Obsolete 1954 AJS E95 Porcupine

The Team Obsolete 1949 AJS 7R3 Triple Knocker

Rodney Gould on the AJS Triple Knocker at the 1954 Isle of Man TT Race

Cathcart revealed some amusing stories of his many adventures on two wheels and

four to Emcee Bill Rothermel during a lunch time interview

Checking out the competition! 1962 Royal Enfield VAX Interceptor meets 1938 Triumph Speed Twin

Best of Show winner, Jerry Romano's 1963 BSA Rocket Gold Star

A BSA X75 Hurricane (not the usual Triumph X75) American Craig Vetter brought a splash

of West Coast Custom style to the BSA/Triumph Triple concept.

Mr. Cathcart posing with the unrestored Simeone Museum 1934 supercharged

MG K3 Magnette, a former class-winning LeMans racer

Another four-wheeler Alan?

Yes, it's the Cadillac powered Allard that's got his attention now.

Commando in a crate proves it's never too late to find unused machines 50 years after it was made

Big Don Kuterbach and Lew Ledyard's fine 1966 Triumph TR6C scrambler

Photo by Raymond Schwab

Kerry Kubena brought this 1967 Triumph Cub that looked as good

as new and ready for some trail riding

Photo by Raymond Schwab

The 1950 Vincent HRD Black Shadow from the Dave's Garage collection

The seldom seen 1957 Sunbeam S7

Unrestored Norton Commando Production racer from Danny Guerra

Chris Candy's Glorious 1937 Vincent HRD Series A Twin

An eye-catching Vincent HRD Touring Shadow in Chinese Red from owner Bill Weissman

One owner 1968 BSA 441 Shooting Star

The 1955 Vincent HRD Black Knight, 1 of 200 built before the company declare bankruptcy

Brough Superior was called the Rolls Royce of motorcycles, but Phil Vincent called his machines

the Bentley of motorcycles

The l957 Douglas Dragonfly with owner Todd Trumbore in blue shirt. These quirky British-built motorcycles are fascinating with Earles Fork, Twin opposed cylinder engine, headlight nacelle that incorporates handlebars and gauges. This was the final motorcycle design produced by Douglas with approximately 1457 built.

Radnor Hunt Concours event program

photos by Michael Furman

MV Agusta guru Albert Bold, Radnor Hunt Concours Vice President John Lawless, Honored Guest Alan Cathcart and Chief Judge emeritus Bob Coy at the fund-raising Gala

2024-08-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday at the 28th Annual Greenwich Concours

If you enjoy an exciting and eclectic mix of two and four wheeled vehicles, the dawn patrol begins early at the entrance of the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on Arch St. for the Greenwich Concours by Hagerty. Some drive their vehicles from their nearby homes, some arrive by tractor trailer haulers to unload and set up on the green grass for the big show on Sunday, the Concours. This 'contest of beauty' takes many forms. Elegant, one-off cars made for exclusive clients to genuine Grand Prix racers. Excitement builds as entrants and attendees mix and start to check out the competition. Let's take a look at some of the best of at the 2024 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance.

NYC Norton owner Kenny Cummings demonstrates his race-winning style on his Seeley-G50

Team Obsolete brought 15-time Grand Prix World Champion Giacomo Agostini's MV Agusta 350, the last four stroke to win a Grand Prix in the classic era.

Team Obsolete also brought the ex-Renzo Pasolini Benelli 350 which finished second

at the 1967 Isle of Man TT race to Giacomo Agostini on a MV Agusta.

Peter Sachs brought this outstanding Ferrari GTO

Who doesn't love a Porsche Speedster?

Greenwich Concours co-host LeMans winner Justin Bell and his girlfriend

with Velocette KTT owner and racer Randy Hoffman

The 1994 Britten V1000 with owner Bob Robbins was a crowd favorite as well as with judges John Lawless, Somer Hooker, Andy Reid and Kim Barnes

Rare green-frame 1972 Ducati 750SS Imola was presented by Bob Robbins

The 1920 Indian Powerplus board track racer with owner Shawn McLean

won the Century Class for 100-year-old plus motorcycles

Iconic American iron, the outrageous Cadillac Eldorado.

Another Cadillac, the 1931 452A won the Best of Show this year.

Cadillac, the Standard of the World indeed.

Porsche 911 Carrera RS on the waterfront

Team Obsolete supremo Rob Iannucci and Sonya with the 1967 'works' Benelli 350,

winner of the Best Sounding Vehicle Award. The award was created for the automobiles, but Chief Judge Ken Gross and honored guest Wayne Carini agreed, nothing else compared to the Benelli when it came to mechanical music.

Marty Morrison brought his Suzuki RG500 from Ohio

Albert Bold, known worldwide for his knowledge and love of

Italian MV Agusta motorcycles brought this Yamaha TZ500

Bill Eggers brought his hand-crafted replica of the 1885 Daimler

which is recognized as the first internal combustion motorcycle

Another shot of the Ace XP-4 replica with Flexi sidecar. The passenger went in feet first for what must've been a thrilling ride when Red Wolverton set a speed record at 106 mph in 1923.

The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles in Pennsylvania brought the Ace,

which was restored by the late 'Doc' Patt, to the show.

###

2024-08-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

Concours de Sport at Greenwich 2024

If it's the first weekend in June and you're interested in classic cars and motorcycles, Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich Connecticut is the place to be. Twenty-five years of Concours at the park have seen this east coast show grow in scope and size. Hagerty Insurance took over the event just as the COVID pandemic was upon us and they took the opportunity to re-invent the Concours for the next generation of enthusiasts. The traditional Concours d'Elegance is the main event on Sunday, but Saturday embraces more recent classics.

The three-day show kicks off with a road rally on Friday for entrants who've just arrived from all across America. That evening, a swanky cocktail party at the Stanwich Club gave folks a chance to meet the team behind the event along with the sponsors who make it possible.

Early the next morning I caught a ride to the showfield with automotive writer and fellow motorcycle judge Andy Reid. His car of choice for the event, a 2024 Rolls Royce Cullinan. Nothing says opulence like a half million-dollar SUV. Check your preconceptions at the door, this is a fabulous family transporter with luxury and speed equally matched.

Our task for Saturday's Concours de Sport was to judge Next Gen Superbikes, the cutting-edge machines of the 1990s and early 2000s. These were some of the fastest, most technically advanced motorcycles to hit the market. Some feel that their mix of beauty and speed are still unrivalled. Each of these machines were produced in small batches ensuring instant collectable status. Let's take a look.

1992 Honda NR750 with F1 inspired Oval Piston technology. Just 300 were produced.

1999 MV Agusta F4 750, one of 300 produced.

2002 Ducati Ben Bostrom replica, 1 of 155 produced for the US market.

1990 Gallina Quatro 750, 1 of 10 built at a reported cost of $250,000 each.

Nationally known judge Somer Hooker and I discuss the finer points of the Suzuki-powered Gallina Quattro with Seth Rosko of Brooklyn based Team Obsolete, owner of this rare machine.

1992 Ducati 900 SuperLight

The 900 Superlight was one of 300 produced. The combination of Fly Yellow and Dry Clutch rattle

was enough to stop attendees in their tracks. Owner Chris Minks is just the second caretaker of this immaculate Ducati.

2023-11-26T16:21:00.000-08:00

Greenwich Concours d'Elegance

The Greenwich Concours takes place at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in beautiful Greenwich, CT during the first weekend of June. The waterfront location provides an ideal background for the myriad cars and motorcycles that come from all points across the United States to be judged and displayed. Owned and managed by Hagerty, the Greenwich continues a decade long tradition of showing motorcycles both on Saturday and Sunday. This year it was the Best of Britain and Exotic Italians that wowed the crowds. As it's vital for the judges to hear the vehicles running when assessing the entries, there was always an enthusiastic group quick to gather to hear the sounds of rare and historically important machines running. Here's a few of my favorite two wheelers.

Christopher Minks demonstrates the wind-cheating shape of the

1974 John Player Special Norton Commander

Scott Dell starting the 1937 HRD / Vincent Series A Twin

Class-winning 1936 Brough SS100 Alpine

Twin pipes, twin carbs and two gauges on the legendary Brough

Victor Olson takes the top slot on his SS100

David Tompkins 1949 Gilera Saturno was the oldest in the Italian group.

The lovely parrellogram rear suspension

Gilera Saturno and 1979 Ducati Mike Hailwod replica

in the background were complimented by this

1978 Moto Guzzi LeMans

Classi winning 1976 Laverda Jota 1000 owned by Bob Machinist

Brooklyn-based Team Obsolete brought two rare gems from

the British empire, the 1954 AJS 7R3 350cc "Triple Knocker" #33

and the AJS Porcupine 500cc #2

The 500cc AJS Porcupine

Announcing the winners at the Greenwich Concours

2023-11-16T04:39:00.000-08:00

Audrain Newport Concours 2023

Offering elegance at the oceans edge, the Audrian Newport Concours in Newport, Rhode Island offers breathtaking views on the green grounds of a Gilded Age mansion. The Breakers, home to the Vanderbilt family, is the most famous of the "Cottages", the summer retreats of the ultra-wealthy at the turn of the century.

As you arrive at the entrance in the pre-dawn hours of show day, the massive wrought iron gates open wide to the manicured pea gravel driveway which adds to the imposing and palatial front entrance of the home. Cars and motorcycles que up and a sense of excitement is palpable as entrants make their way to the show field. They are greeted by the staff of the Audrain Newport Concours who check them in and guide them onto the grass-covered property. As they make their way around the back of the property, the view of the ocean greets them to a special place like no other Concours on the planet. You have now arrived.

Food and warm beverages are offered so that you can watch the 180 strong group of vehicles assemble into groups that will be judged later that morning. From the earliest combustion powered vehicles to electric and turbine powers show cars that span the last 120 years of automotive history are all around you.

2023 marks the second year the Audrain Newport Concours featured motorcycles as well as a stunning collection of antique and collectible automobiles. The two-wheeled line-up was more impressive this year with a greater diversity of machines on hand. Last year's winner, a 1977 MV Agusta 750S America helped raise the standard of what is expected. Let's see what the field offers this year.

Making an entrance

MG, Mondial and Mercedes

1957 F.B. Mondial Sport

Competition Class Winner -1955 Fratelli Ferrari 150cc Cafe Racer owned by Chris Mauro

Touring Motorcycle Class Winner – 1938 Harley-Davidson owned by Cindy Mesmer

1928 Excelsior Big Bertha Hillclimber

1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Sportsman Cabriolet

1947 Cisitalia 202 MM Aerodynamica.

1937 Delahaye 135 Cabriolet by Figoni & Falashi

1933 Duesenberg SJ, “The Twenty Grand.”

1953 Ferrari 250 MM Berlinetta

1967 Alfa Romeo Guila Sprint GT Veloce Coupe

1955 Streamline X " Gilda", the Turbine powered Supersonic Show Car

1930 Bentley 4 1/2 Liter Vanden Plas

1953 Fiat 8V 1100 S

1956 Porsche 356A Coupe

Behind the walls of these splendid and ornate mansions there are treasures and craftsmanship to behold. Newport, Rhode Island is a vibrant and historic seaport town that has fine and casual dining, sightseeing, the Cliff Walk and museums to keep your interests fed. The Audrain Newport Motorweek and Concours is a must see to believe kind of experience.

26th Annual Radnor Hunt Concours

2023-09-20T19:55:00.008-07:00

Featured Classes included Laverda, Single Cylinder and Multi-Cylinder for 2023

Standout entries for the 26th Annual Radnor Hunt Concours included the Best of Show winning 1954 MV Agusta CSS 175 Disco Volante of Albert Bold. A well-known MV Agusta guru, Bold had just completed the restoration of the Multi-Cylinder Class Winner, the 1974 MV Agusta 750GT,

also seen below.

Creative Director of Pixar Films, Special Guest Jay Ward, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic motorcyclist hangs out with Rick Panettieri with his Laverda Jota 1000.

Noted Laverda marque expert and author Tim Parker

spends some time with Ryan Zeller and the 750 SFC Laverda.

Roy Kidney's Ducati kept company with Dave

Markel's orange Laverda class winning 750SFC

Roy Kidney also brought the 1970's Italian single cylinder

metallic style icon, the Ducati Desmo Silver Shotgun to the party.

Michael Stifel had two single-cylinder machines

there to be judged, the

1966 Ducati Mark III and a 1986 Yamaha SRX.

James Francis and the Moto Guzzi Falcone Sport which he restored.

and has shown at numerous other National Concours events.

Rare and desirable F. B Mondial 200cc Moto Cross racer. F.B. (Fratelli Boselli) of Italy built World Championship winning road racers and National endurance winners during their hey-day.

M is for Montessa 250cc Impala Sport

Spanish two-stroke manufacturers built fast and light roadsters as well as off-road machines in the 1960-70s like this 250cc Metralla and the Montessa above

Historical Significance winning 1916 Henderson Four from the Dave's Garage

collection in Skippack, PA.

The Petrol Vault brought this unrestored 1954 CZ that was locally owned since new.

Motorcycle Judge (and automotive writer) Andy Reid chats with Car Judge (and motorcycle enthusiast) Ken Gross about the 1951 Vincent Black Shadow, winner of the Historical Preservation class.

Featured Artist, photographer Bill Phelps kick starts Bill Weissman's Vincent Comet, the 500ccc single cylinder British motorcycle.

Radnor Concours Motorcycle Chief Judge John Lawless with Special Guest Jay Ward with the rare 750cc American Eagle /Laverda class entry owned by Steve Morris of Ohio. Morris also brought his Laverda SF2 to the Concours.

The Lady likes the Laverda 750SF

Farhan Tehrani's 1948 Norton ES2

Mustaf Tehrani brought this unrestored 1922 AJS

Time to present the trophies with Brittany Schwab.

Tim Parker awards the Laverda Class winner Ryan Zeller on the Laverda SFC750 from the Dave's Garage collection in Skippack, PA. Tours of the private collection can be arranged for small groups.

15-time World Champion Giacomo Agostini Interview

2022-12-05T17:48:00.006-08:00

Photo by Team Obsolete

Team Obsolete, the Brooklyn-based classic racing team, owns some of the most desirable motorcycles of the mid to late 20^th century. Robert Iannucci, owner of Team Obsolete, has never been content to just own and display these machines; his passion lies in hearing and seeing them in action. To that end, he and his crew have travelled the world, putting some of the greatest riders of the machines back on track to the delight of motorcycle fans everywhere they go. They’ve raced and paraded the glorious MV Agusta racers, the incredible Honda 250/six and others from the period nearly everywhere, including the Isle of Man, England, Italy and the USA.

One of the last remaining men of the Golden Era of Grand Prix racing is 15-time World Champion Giacomo Agostini. Rob and Ago have known each other for 40 years since team Obsolete purchased several ex-works racers from MV Agusta in Cascina Costa, Italy. These machines include the 350 and 500cc three and four-cylinder racers as well as the ill-fated ‘Boxer’ water-cooled flat four prototype that was never completed when MV Agusta abruptly pulled out of racing. Suffice it to say that without Rob Iannucci keeping the fires going and wheels spinning, most of us who are too young to have witnessed the halcyon days of Grand Prix wars would never hear or see these motorcycles in action. For that, we owe him a dept of gratitude.

Ago, as he’s known to his fans worldwide, was invited to visit Team Obsolete Headquarters recently for a dinner to celebrate his accomplishments and their partnership together. The next evening was the invitation only T.O. Christmas party where Ago could relax and enjoy an evening in a more casual setting. I was attending with Albert Bold, the MV Agusta guru and machinist who keeps the multi-cylinder roadbikes going and knows them inside out. He’s done considerable work for Team Obsolete over the years keeping these priceless machines going. After being shown in, we stepped into the tiny elevator only to be told to wait, there’s someone else coming. In steps Giacomo Agostini and his travel companion. They’d just returned from a visit to Dainese /AGV flagship store in Manhattan for a little Christmas shopping. We introduce ourselves and make our way to the fourth floor. When the elevator doors open and we arrive, the party guests stop in their tracks and suddenly there is a hushed moment while Ago made his way in. The Legend had arrived.

I had a chance to sit down with the multi-time World Champion for an interview during the party. Before we began our taped interview, Ago told me about his museum in the medieval town of Bergamo, Italy. The one-room museum is housed on a property run by his daughter Vittoria. Reservations can be made via info@VillaVittoriabergamo.it. Although it just opened in 2019, he’s already making plans for a new and larger museum. Because of historical property limitations, he cannot expand the current property, so another property has been obtained and he has begun to formulate the layout. He tells me, “Imagine a single spotlight focused on just two trophies, his first and last. From there, a photo gallery will help visitors understand the full span of my career.” He still has nearly every boot, glove, helmet and trophy (over 380) as well as innumerable press clippings of his years spent at the top of the racing world. Tonight, he’s dressed casually, wearing a button-down shirt with the top two buttons undone. Around his neck is a gold necklace from which hangs a small medallion with the letters FIM. I ask him about it and he tells me proudly that it is from his first 500cc World Championship in 1966. Our time was short, and the party goers were getting louder and eager to spend time with him as well. Not wanting to monopolize his time, I turned on my recorder and got to work.

Interview with Giacomo Agostini at Team Obsolete HQ December 3, 2022 by John P. Lawless

JL: Giacomo, in your 12 years of top-level international racing, you scored 123 Grand Prix Victories, 15 World Championships, 10 Isle of Man TT wins, 18 Italian National Championships, just amazing. Tell us, what drew you to motorcycle racing? You weren't allowed to race because your father was against it. How did you convince him to allow you race?

Ago: My family was against it. They said, Giacomo, our family business has nothing to do with motorbikes, why do you want to do this?

JL: Alfonso Morini gave you your first big break riding a Moto Morini in Grand Prix racing. How did that come to be?

Ago: I bought a 175cc Moto Morini on installments from a local dealer, a few dollars a month and started to race. As I became better and started to win on my own bike. Mr Morini saw me race in Bologna and San Luca and said you can race a factory bike for us.

JL: Who were your heroes at that time?

Ago: My heroes were Tarquino Provini, Carlo Ubbialli and Gary Hocking. I wanted to be like them.

JL: The 1965 season you were surprisingly able to keep pace with the world’s best riders on multi-cylinder MVs and Hondas on the single-cylinder Moto Morini. How did you do that with so little experience and a less powerful motorcycle?

Ago: When I started to win, 1961, 62, 62, 64. Three years I win title, I got the ride for Morini. My first ride on Morini 1963 at Monza, I was racing behind Yamaha and Honda and I had to stop because the bike broke the footpeg (due to vibration). After that everybody was looking at me, saying who is this? 1964 I was Italian champion. Count Agusta called and asked for me to come for a meeting. He made me wait five hours outside of his office before we spoke. So I start with MV Agusta and stay for many, many years, winning world titles for them. This is my dream, to race with the best riders of the world.

JL: Gilera wanted you as well, why MV?

Ago: Because Gilera wanted me, at double the money MV was offering, but my father and I think about the companies. He said MV Agusta is a big company, building helicopters and has 3500 people working for them. Their technology was very high. And Gilera was not like that, just motorcycles. So I decided to sign for half price but the company can give me the machines to win. So I had a good choice because I became world champion 13 times for them.

JL: Once you'd become the teammate of the more experienced Mike Hailwood at MV, how did he feel about you joining the team? Did he see you as an equal once you beat him at Riccione (Italy) in 1965 for the first time? Did that change your relationship once you were able to beat Mike?

Ago: No, because Mike was more experienced than me, especially on the big bikes. It was my first season riding the 500s and I tried to learn from him because he was a very good rider. The first time I beat him, I thought, “I beat Mike Hailwood!” Because I think it was easy for him to win with other riders. But when I beat him, the next race, I didn’t see him for one week, he prepared and he beat me. Because I think he did not have to go 100% until I beat him. We had a good relationship though. He wanted to win and I wanted to win so we couldn’t be too friendly though.

JL: June 1967, your birthday as I recall, you had one of your toughest races on the Isle of Man that ended when you suffered a broken chain on the last lap in the Senior TT. Did you feel the MV 500 Triple was a better choice than the Honda 500/Four for the Island?

Ago: Very, very hard race. I was leading and then Mike was leading. At the end of the race we both had white scuff marks on our arms and shoulders from scrubbing against the stone walls. So the last lap, I was thinking I won, I won, and then the chain broke. After the race, I was crying and Mike came over and said, “Ago, today you are a Champion”, but I said, yes, but you are in first place. But he was very nice to me and we celebrated even though I did not win. People appreciated and remembered this race because its impressive how hard we raced.

JL: When Honda pulled out of Grand Prix racing in 1968, you won everything you entered the next two years but still made time to race at International short circuit races in the UK as well as winning the Italian National Titles. Why did you want to race in the UK, at Brands Hatch and Mallory Park?

Ago: And Oulton Park and Cadwell Park…

JL: One of the most talked about races in the UK was the "Race of Year." You had an epic battle with John 'Moon Eyes' Cooper at Mallory Park where he narrowly beat you. He was on the BSA 750 Triple and you were on the MV 500. Were you surprised by the speed of the BSA Rocket III Triple and the intensity of the competition?

Ago: I know this before race it would be very difficult because Brands Hatch is very, very short, and before the last corner there is a hairpin and on the 500 you sometimes you must use the clutch because the redline is higher and he used a different line. The BSA is more easy through there. So he always had an advantage over me at this corner, but after that there is a short straight just 200 meters to the finish line. If it was at another place, a faster place like the back of the circuit, I was in front. But this is very slow and he got by.

JL: The spectators in the England loved you and very much appreciated you coming to do those races.

Ago: Lots of time and a lot of travel but we make a show. People loved the show, they like the close racing. With Hailwood, Cooper, Smart, Read.

JL: Speaking of Phil Read, who was your teammate for two years on the MV. Did you leave because they weren’t giving you the full support now or did you see Yamaha as the future?

Ago: Yeah, I did this because I could see during the wintertime MV Agusta was not getting much more horsepower but the two stroke was getting better and better and so I said okay, it was time to change if I wanted to win. So I decided, but it was a very difficult decision, very hard decision, because MV Agusta was my second family. So it was good because we had a fantastic relationship with Yamaha. I decided to race for Yamaha. I then spent two weeks in Japan testing 250, 350, 500 and 700 cc because I must learn the two-stroke.

JL: You were recovering from an injury as well.

Ago: I crashed (while testing the MV at Misano in September 1973, badly injuring his leg) so worked hard and I prepared to win.

JL: Let me talk to you about Daytona. You always prided yourself on being physically fit, very in-shape but at Daytona that year it was 90 degrees. What did you do to prepare for that race?

Ago: Normally, I not used to drink that much before races. The race was very, very long 200 miles, normally I do 80 -90 miles. Physically, I am ok, but during the race it was extremely hot and I could not … (motions with his mouth that he could not produce spit) I wanted to stop, so I think this is impossible, but when I think about the people who chartered planes from England, France, Spain, Germany. I said now what do I do? What can I say? I say Okay, Ago now has the power to finish to the race. I come back to. I go back again and I win.

Ago’s cell phone rings and he excuses himself to take a call from home. Minutes later he’s back.

JL: So we were talking about Daytona 1974 when you had you great victory there for Yamaha. It was the first time you were racing with a clutch start. The first time you were racing a big two stroke against the best big bike racers in the country (and from around the world). One racer in particular thought he was number one, he was World Champion, but you had to show him that you were the World Champion… Mr. Kenny Roberts.

Ago: Yeah, because when I arrive at Daytona Airport, Chevrolet had brought me one car in white color they but write with “Giacomo Agostini, World Champion” (painted on the door of the car) and I’m very happy to have to use that week. Then I see an article from Kenny Roberts saying, “I’m sorry but he (Ago) is not the world champion, the world is America and I am American champion so I am World Champion. He is European World Champion” Ago continued, so I don’t answer because I am guest in America. When I win the race, I was exhausted they give me an injection because I am dehydrated, so then I see Kenny, I say I’m sorry, but now you understand who the World Champion is. He laughed and after that he was nice to me.

JL: So you stayed with Yamaha for another year and then you made your way back to MV (in 1976). You gave the factory their final victory at the Nurburgring in Grand Prix. Tell us about that race. Did you feel you had a chance? I know the bikes (MV) were up against their technical limits, the bikes were breaking down more often.

Ago: I was also racing a Suzuki, which was very fast. But before the race it started to rain, so I am allowed to change the bikes, so I think about it and decide to race the MV and I win. After that I won at Hockenheim at 1976 (on a Yamaha TZ750).

JL: And then you made a brief foray in car racing, F2 Chevron, F1 Williams but your heart was always with motorcycles.

Ago: Yes, my heart was with motorcycles.

JL: You enjoyed great success as a Team Manager for Yamaha with three world championships with Eddie Lawson. Did you enjoy the challenge of organizing a team?

Ago: Yamaha asked me to make a team which worked out well for them. I brought the Marlboro money and took care of everything. The team was mine, I hired the mechanics, they, Yamaha, give me the bikes, and engines. After two months of racing in Europe the Japanese mechanics did not like it because the food was different, the sleeping is different. You know now a lot has changed, but before, I remember many times a big box with food inside (for the mechanics) would arrive and that helped. It was good business, they trusted me and three wins -World Championships.

JL: After that, you stepped back from racing and while you were still active, like going to Grand Prix races. This year you saw a young, great Italian talent, Pecco Bagnaia win the championship on a Ducati fifty years after you, the last Italian to win on an Italian machine. Who do you think will win the 2023 World Championship?

Ago: I’m very happy that Bagnaia win with the Italian, the world championship. Because when I raced, I show to the world, the rider win and MV Agusta win. It is important to show that the technology is the best. Bagnaia after fifty years did the same. Not only for Ducati, but I think Ducati makes a good bike but beats all the big Japanese companies. So Ducati’s prestige is Italian also. This is why it is a good emotion, to beat these big Japanese companies.

JL: Pecco came back from a 90 point deficit after the summer break and won like a true champion…

Ago: Yeah, because I think that Ducati and Bagnaia start really riding /working hard. Also the people expect from him to win, so he says, I must do this! I must do it.

JL: And he did it.

Ago: The start of the season was complicated but he was very professional. Next year? I think we have a very nice show. Because we have Pecco, Quartararo, Marini, Bastianini, Marquez will come back, Bezzechi- next year will be very good. There’s many talented Italian – Italians and Spanish.

JL: Grazie Mille. Ti Aguro Buon Natale!

Ago: Grazie.

The water-cooled flat-four prototype

A glimpse of what might have been

####

Cobble Beach Concours 2022

2022-11-19T08:04:00.002-08:00

The 8th Annual Cobble Beach Concours, held at the beautiful waterfront golf course in Owen Sound in Georgian Bluffs Township, Ontario is the premiere Canadian Concours d'Elegance. I was invited to judge motorcycles there a few years ago but COVID 19 meant the country was on lock down and travel was challenging. Fast forward to 2022 and as the pandemic subsided, life regained some sense of normalcy. I packed my bags and took the short flight from Philadelphia to Toronto, a beautiful, bustling city not far from the US border. After picking up my rental car, it was another 3-hour drive to reach my destination. The host hotel was in a sleepy little town on the water and gave no sense of what was to come on the day of the Concours.

The Cobble Beach organizers had a couple of low-key events on Saturday which included a drive-in car show at a local airport and a Concours d'Lemons, too. The Gala fundraising dinner on Saturday night was filled with both excitement and trepidation as the forecast for Sunday included heavy rain that might throw a wrench into the proceedings. Luck was on our side though; Sunday morning was warm with a brief shower and then clearing skies.

The waterfront backdrop was spectacular with cars and motorcycles on the greens of the Cobble Beach Gold Course ready to be judged. I grabbed my clipboard and made my way to the Showfield. With just five motorcycles in the class, it wasn't too difficult to find the winner, but a thorough examination of each vehicle was in order to be fair to all entrants. Meeting the owners is one of the best parts of the judging process, but we were not there to make friends or judge owners, it's all about the machines. Let's take a look at some of the best motorcycles and cars of the Cobble Beach weekend.

1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport

2022 Motorcycle Class Winner, the 1974 Ducati "Green Frame" 750 Super Sport. Owner Rick Fuhry had his representative Brady Ingelse from Retrospeed restoration in Belgium Wisconsin ride the motorcycle to the winners stand.

1978 MV Agusta 750S America

Brady from Retrospeed aboard Rick Fuhry's 1978 MV Agusta 750 America

took 2nd place in the motorcycle class.

1956 Moto Guzzi Falcone Sport

3rd place went to the 1956 Moto Guzzi Falcone Sport

with owner/restorer James " Wicker" Francis

1966 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson Sprint 250H

1977 Benelli SEI 750

1955 Porsche Spyder 1500, Winner of the People Choice Award

1972 Porsche 911

1973 Chevrolet Aerovette

1947 Delahaye 135 Cabriolet

1968 Chevrolet Astro II Corvette

1957 Dodge Sweptside Pickup Truck

1964 Ferrari 330 America and 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

1985 Renault 5 Turbo 2

1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale

1947 Delahaye 135 Cabriolet

Best of Show Winner, the 1928 Isotta Fraschini 8A SS

Audrain Newport Concours d'Elegance

2022-11-02T16:33:00.004-07:00

The 2022 Audrain Newport Concours and Motor Week kicked off on Wednesday, September 29 with events and seminars leading up to the Road Rally on Saturday and the Concours on Sunday, October 3. Situated in beautiful Newport, Rhode Island, the inaugural event occurred in 2019 and continues to grow in scope and quality each year. This was the first year that motorcycles were featured. I decided to enter my recently restored 1977 MV Agusta 750S America at the Concours.

The choice of venues could not be more picturesque. The Concours was held at The Breakers, the famous Gilded Age mansion designed by Richard Morris Hunt for Cornelius Vanderbilt II between 1893-1895. The stunning 70 room summer home sits on 13 waterfront acres on Ochre Avenue. The Breakers is the most visited tourist destination in Rhode Island and it does not disappoint.

At 6:00 am on Sunday morning my wife and I unloaded the MV Agusta from the trailer and proceeded through the imposing wrought iron gates and continued along the pea gravel driveway following a pre-war Alfa Romeo in the pre-dawn darkness. The proceeding day it rained for over 12 continuous hours and now the winds had picked up and as the remnants of Hurricane Ian pulled away from the coast. The volunteer crew had spent the night laying down a plywood road to ease entrance onto the grass covered gardens that lay between the "Cottage" and the ocean.

The "Dawn Patrol" is alive and well and worth getting up early for. It provides a rare opportunity to see all the vehicles before the crowds arrive in the best light of the day. I rounded the corner and was guided to our spot on the showfield. Our Class Coordinator introduced himself and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the day. Not long afterward, other motorcycles arrived and exciting car after car filled the field. We scurried off to the VIP tent in search of breakfast and warmth from the gale force wind.

Suitably prepared, with full bellies and collars up we ventured on to the field again to find it well laid out and getting busier by the moment. Donald Osbourne, Nic Waller and Jay Leno are the public faces associated with this event and all were on hand to stop and say hello as the judges got busy trying to sort out which vehicles would win their respective classes. With so many beautiful, worthy cars and motorcycles to choose from, they had their work cut out for them.

By the afternoon, the judges had rendered their decisions and the awards ceremony was to start shortly. We were surprised and delighted to find we won the Motorcycle Class! Our Class Coordinator made sure we were ready when the time came to drive over to the reviewing stand and collect our trophy. I'd spent the last year and a half working on the MV Agusta 750S America and this was its debut show.

This was not the first MV Agusta that I've owned, but this is the crown jewel of the group. I had owned a 1998 MV Agusta 750 Oro and have raced a 1972 MV Agusta 350B Electronica for years with the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association. This machine is different, closer to the DNA sourced from the Grand Prix racers. It dates from a time that the famous company won their final World Championship, 37 in all. When I think of the glory days of MV Agusta and the men who raced them, it reminds me of why I ever wanted one. Great names like John Surtees, John Hartle, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read raced these machines that were built with one purpose; to win World Championships. The 750 road bikes were the result of customers demanding they get a machine as close to their heroes as possible. The MV four-cylinder motorcycles first appeared in 600cc form and later 750 and 850 versions. All shared a common engine design and were built in limited quantities. All MV's of the era when Count Domenica Agusta and his men at Cascina Costa (near Milan) made the greatest motorcycles of their time are highly prized today as well.

There had been many challenges since I came to own the MV. I was searching for the right one that I could afford for years, but every time I got close, prices continued to rise just out of my reach. A friend, Michael Casale, now deceased, was at an auction buying for his main employer's collection. It was a great surprise when he called me in February 2019 and told me he bought me an MV and that I needed to come up with the money in two days' time. I shuffled some finances around, sold a motorcycle and took out a small loan all within that small window of time. When the MV arrived a few weeks later, we unloaded it in the bitter cold and sat back to study it. We would discover later that it had been restored 20 years previously in South Africa while in the care of its second owner. The first owner took delivery in the England in 1977 and kept it for 15 years. It was complete and ran, but a number of items would be addressed sometime later. For now, I was still basking in that new-old bike bubble. I had an actual MV Agusta 750 sitting in my garage.

Soon after I bought the MV, I had a big crash on a friend's motorcycle on a road near my house. Numerous broken bones and nerve damage would slow me down and change the way I ride. After 30 years of racing motorcycles on the track, that too would come to a close. As time passed and I began to heal and take to two wheels again, I came to recognize my own mortality and that I was lucky to still be able to ride at all considering the damage that was done. My days of racing motorcycles had come to an abrupt halt. Just a month before my road crash I took my final laps on my 1961 Norton Manx and 1972 MV 350 racers at Carolina Motorsports Track.

In 2020 I took a short ride on a friend's 1974 MV 750 Sport and realized that my America needed a comprehensive restoration to perform and look the way I wanted it to be. I have the good fortune of knowing Albert Bold of Bold Precision in Pennsylvania to return this MV to its former glory. 14 months later, overcoming innumerable obstacles and resolving previous poorly repaired items, we finished the motorcycle. Doug Summers of The Toy Box in Oxford, PA supplied the paintwork that makes it look as good as it runs. Chris Wycoff polished the Borrani alloy rims and forks.

A week after Audrain, word came that Phil Read, the 8-time World Champion motorcycle racer, had died. Phil came over from the U.K. in 2018 to visit for an event I organized. In memory of the great rider and his Grand Prix title won on the MV Agusta 500cc racer, I took the 750S America out for a long ride to soak in the bellowing exhaust note of the four pipes. When I pulled over to take a moment to reflect on Phil's passing and my own recovery from injuries a few years back, I realized that time does not stand still for any man. I pointed the bike north towards my home and hit the starter button, content in the knowledge that I am alive today and have been a very fortunate man.

2022-09-25T12:09:00.003-07:00

The 25th Annual Radnor Hunt Concours, September 11, 2022

Flying Merkel V-Twin

106 cars and 36 motorcycles were slated to appear at the Radnor Hunt Concours for the 25th Anniversary celebration. Despite dry and warm weather for the Friday evening Welcome Barbeque, Saturday's Road Rally and the Black Tie Gala, the winds of change swept in for less than ideal conditions come Sunday morning.

The 1959 Cadillac Cyclone Concept Car

Outrageous 2003 Cadillac V-16 Concept Car

We awoke at 5:00 am to find high humidity and a day long rain looming. By the time we started to unload the motorcycles we were transporting and start to stage the vehicles on the showfield, the first drops started to fall. We were prepared, with clear plastic covers to protect the machines from the rain. Yes, these machines, both two and four-wheelers, were meant to be used in wet or dry conditions when new, but that now that some have been elevated to "Art" and increased in value substantially over time, owners are more particular about transporting and displaying them outside in the pouring rain. But, to win, you must show up and be on the field, so most owners, thankfully, did just that. That being the case, we had a show to judge and attendees showed up in droves to see it despite the damp conditions.

The Executive Board of the Radnor Hunt Concours pulled out all the stops with General Motors sending two Concept Vehicles from Detroit as we were honoring Cadillac and several of their top designers including Wayne Kady, Joan Kramer and Kip Wasenko. Porsche 4 Cam cars, Derham Coachworks cars and the 75th Anniversary of Ferrari rounded out the automobiles to be featured on the main field. There is a second-tier collection of more modern Super Cars and Hyper Cars in the Motorsports Park paddock. Our focus, in this article is motorcycles. This year, BSA and American Motorcycles were to be featured along with Special Guest, AMA Hall of Fame inductee and filmmaker Peter Starr.

Special Guest Peter Starr and I judged the American Class, 1900-1920

Volunteer John Costello walks the "Applegate Harley-Davidson" Sportster to the terrace for display.

Doug Strange brought the Ace XP4 replica from the Boyertown Museum

The Gold Star that Ed LaBelle raced at the Daytona 200 is unloaded and moved into place.

Formula 5000 racer

The Morgan Plus Four Plus Coupe

The artifacts of a well-used BSA flat tract racer

The sexy Iso Grifo with Corvette V-8 power

Chuck Cantwell's Shelby Mustang 350

Elegant in its simplicity, the Porsche 550 Spyder

Porsche Carrera GTS 904

DKW Two-Stroke automobile

1949 BSA Gold Star

And the winners are....

2022 Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance Motorcycle Results

Best of Show: 1914 Pierce Four Owner: David Markel, Skippack, PA

Spirit of Radnor Hunt Award: 1923 Ace Four XP-4 with Sidecar Owner: Boyertown Museum, Boyertown, PA

Historical Significance: 1958 BSA DBD34 Gold Star Owner: Christopher Candy, West Chester, PA

Preservation Award: 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA Owner: Todd Trumbore, Harleysville, PA

American 1900-1920: 1914 Pierce Four Owner: David Markel, Skippack, PA

American 1921-1945: 1923 Ner-A-Car Owner: Christopher Aker, Haddonfield, NJ

American 1946-1990: 1955 Harley-Davidson FL Owner: William Walker, Schwenksville, PA

BSA 1930-1945: 1939 BSA M24 Gold Star Owner: Kerry Grubb, Silver Springs, MD

BSA 1946-1960: 1958 BSA B33 Owner: Bud Kubena, Pittsburgh, PA

BSA 1961-1973:1961 BSA A10 Golden Flash Royal Tourist Owner: Bud Kubena, Pittsburgh, PA

People's Choice: 1968 BSA Spitfire MKIV Owner: Ray Laforce, Cockeysville, MD

Christopher Aker 1923 Ner-A -Car

Kerry and Bud Kubena BSA Royal Tourist

Todd Trumbore Harley-Davidson WLA

Chris Candy BSA Gold Star DBD34

Doug Strange Ace XP4 sidecar

Ryan Zeller and David Markel Pierce Four

2022-09-25T08:09:00.002-07:00

Greenwich Concours June 2022

BSA and BMW were the featured motorcycle marques at this year's Greenwich Concours in Connecticut. With the recent purchase of the Concours by Hagerty insurance, the fun level was kicked up a notch at the beautiful waterfront location in Greewich. Radwood, a celebration of all things 1980s and the Concours d'Lemons were just two of the additions attracting a younger crowd to this Concours for automobiles and motorcycles. The main event, however, was the Concours d'Elegance on Sunday. That's where the best cars and motorcycles in the country are judged by ICJAG (International Chief Judge Advisory Group) standards. This points-based system utilizes both the objectivity of applied standards and the wisdom of experienced judges to add in historical significance and other factors to award the best of the best machines on display. Let's take a look.

The ex-Dick Mann BSA Rocket 3 Triple racer was a show-stopper. The last-gasp racing effort for BSA and an American racing icon Dick Mann went for all out for glory in the early 1970s on this powerful three-cylinder racing motorcycle.

The Concours program featured insightful articles that put some context as to why these featured marques were being honored.

Adventure Touring Motorcycles, the fastest growing segment in motorcycling can trace its roots to motorcycles likes this ISDT BMW.

This BSA was specifically designed to race in the Daytona 200 on the beach

in Florida in the late 1950s.

The quintessential BSA Gold Star, the DBD34 remains among the most iconic BSA machines ever built. It was every schoolboys dream motorcycle in the 1950s in the U.K.

This BMW Rennsport replica featured an original engine and many period parts. The hand-hammered aluminum fairing was a work of art in itself.

This exceptionally beautiful Ferrari 212 was testimony to the craftsmanship and talent of Alfredo Vignale.

The Cisitalia 202 by Pinin Farina was so beautiful that MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City added one to its permanent collection in 1951.

The Porsche 356 resplendent in black pain with red interior.

The famous NASCAR beach racer, Fabulous Hudson Hornet made a stop before being honored at the "Cars at the Capital" exhibit in Washington, DC this summer. It was added to the National Historic Vehicle Register.

Three-into one exhaust pipe on the BSA Rocket 3 emitted a fierce sound.

Old world luxury and style restored to the highest level.

Hot Rod's and Streamliner classes have been part of the Greenwich Concours heritage for some time with the influence of writer Ken Gross, who has written about these chopped and cut American cars for years.

The next Greenwich Concours will take place in June 2023. Motorcycle features will include Best of British and Italian Exotics.

Harley-Davidson XR750

2022-05-16T18:56:00.003-07:00

The Gathering of Motorcycles at Quail Lodge in Carmel California continues to set trends for style and substance with a eclectic mix of old and new. My reason for being there was to judge the Harley-Davidson XR750 class with fellow judges Bob Ferry and Cary Buck, two guys who know these machines inside and out. Without them, I'd have been lost. Some owners supply descriptions that may fall short of accurately describing their machines or may simply not know what has been changed from stock. Racers being what they are, parts get traded out and upgraded if you want to stay at the front. There has also been many talented aftermarket framer builders that kept the XR750 competitive too.

Show founder Gordon McCall along with Chief Judge Somer Hooker and Host Paul d'Orleans hit it out of the park again this year. Congratulations to all the people behind the scenes who put on a great show that is equally Lifestyle, Art and Motorcycles at Quail. Emerging metalsmiths and Stylists debut their edgy creations that honor the past and push the boundaries of what's possible on two-wheels you'll see Early American motorcycles mix with Honda Z50s and Choppers. Classic Racers are in abundance as California has been a hotbed of competition since the dawn of the sport.

Boxed American V-Twin powered Hill Climber

The Harley-Davidson XR750 was hobbled by overheating issues on the big tracks when introduced in 1970. Its iron barrels were dropped in 1972 it took a swap to alloy engines to bring H-D to the front consistently. The Harley-Davidson XR750 dominated AMA Flat Track racing thereafter in an unprecedented 28 of 37 National Championships between 1972-2008.

1972 XR750

The beautiful 1979 XRTT replica

Class Winner Terry Kaluza and his 1972 XR750

1975 XR750

Owner Marilyn Wiersema and her XR750

1970 XR750 from the Moto Talbott Collection

Chris Carter's 1970 XR750

American Muscle: The Crocker V-Twin

2021-11-26T08:52:00.006-08:00

Al Crocker built about 100 Crocker V-Twin motorcycles between 1936-1942. Those machines are now some of the most sought after, highly valued American motorcycles ever built. How did such a small company create such a legendary machine? Well, let's start with who Al Crocker was and how the machine came to be in the first place.

Albert Crocker was born in 1882 and after college took an engineering job with Aurora Automatic Machinery Company in Aurora, Illinois making motorcycle engine parts for them At the time, Aurora supplied engines made under license for Indian for various other manufacturers. This led to a friendship and employment with Oscar Hedstrom and Charles Hendee, owners of Indian Moto Cycle Company in Springfield, Massachusetts. Crocker raced motorcycles and was friends with many of the stars of the day, one being the ill-fated Eddie Hasha, who lost his life in a board track racing accident in Newark, New Jersey in 1912. Just a few later Crocker married Hasha's widow Gertrude in Denver ,Colorado when both were working got Indian in 1924. Not long after that Crocker was running an Indian dealership in Kansas City and eventually made his way to Los Angeles, California.

The numerous tragedies in Board Track racing led to an outcry in the media and eventual demise of the sport. It was in LA that Crocker and his machine shop foreman Paul Bigsby eventually created their first complete motorcycle, a single cylinder Speedway racer in 1931. About 30 Speedway racers were built before Al Crocker turned his attention to making bespoke street motorcycles at his little shop on Venice Boulevard. The first machines were 61 cubic inch "Hemi-Head" V-twins that became known as the small tank model following the introduction of the big tank Crocker in 1939.

So powerful was the Crocker, that they were guaranteed to outrun any Harley-Davidson or Indian of its day. A legend was born. Steady development and meticulous attention to detail in construction of both the engine and the many bespoke parts meant that a Crocker motorcycle was a joy to look at as well as ride quickly.

When World War II began, Crocker turned his attention to manufacturing aircraft parts and with scarcity of raw materials, the motorcycle production ended in 1942. Al Crocker eventually sold his company to Borg Warner and died in 1961. Paul Bigsby later created the Bigsby Vibrato Tailpiece for electric guitars. Bigsby died in 1968.

Appreciation for the American-made V-Twin Crocker has always been high. By the 1990's a good Crocker was approaching six figures. As the classic motorcycle market exploded, the frenzy for Crocker V-Twins was building, too. Rarely coming to market in the auction world, they're always sought after machines. As of 2017, a fully restored Crocker was nearing $1,000,000.00 with no end in sight. The Crocker has moved into a rarefied world of ultimate Blue Chip two-wheelers.

The famous Crocker V-Twin in action on the Big Screen

Sonny Tufts takes Olivia deHavilland for a ride on a Crocker V-Twin in the

1943 R.K.O. Pictures in the 1943 film, Government Girl.

The 24th Annual Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance

2021-11-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

Motorcycles at the 24th Annual Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance

Special Motorcycle Guest Dave Roper, Winner of the 1984 Isle of Man Senior Historic TT race

Words and images by John P. Lawless

The 2021 Radnor Hunt Concours celebrated Bugatti, Ferrari and Packard automobiles along with a strong collection of Moto Guzzi, Superbikes of the 1970s and other fine motorcycles.

Moto Guzzi Centennial Collection

Carlo Guzzi, Giovanni Ravelli and Giorgio Parodi were friends brought closer by the ravages of World War I. Their unique talents would help them shape the landscape of Italian motorcycling for decades after the war. When Ravelli was killed in a flying accident in 1919 his young friends pressed on and designed the machine that would help establish the Mandello del Lario based brand in 1919. When the prototype was completed, it was called the GP for Guzzi Parodi and would be the basis for their new venture with financing provided by Parodi’s father, Emanuele. So much of what would become hallmarks of the Moto Guzzi brand were in that machine that was first sold in 1921. Models featuring horizontal single-cylinder ohc engine and shaft drive would be produced in some form for the next 55 years. The Moto Guzzi logo utilizes an eagle to commemorate the loss of the friend Giovanni Ravelli and avian nomenclature would be a fixture with future models as well.

Moto Guzzi took to racing seriously in the mid-1920s with their remarkably successful single-cylinder engine and later with the introduction of the 500cc Bicilindrica machine. Racing success on the continent and at the Isle of Man TT races helped drive sales on the road-based models too. This led to such advances as supercharging and fuel injection before World War II brought that innovation to a halt.

Picking up the pieces post-war, the Albatros, Gambalunghino and Bialbero were regulars in the winner’s circle in the popular 250cc & 350 Grand Prix classes. The factory had its own wind tunnel, designed by Carlo’s brother Naco. This gave them the edge over their competition in understanding airflow and how it pertained to motorcycle racing. This ultimately led to engineer Gianini designing a fuel injected, inline four cylinder for the 500cc class. Unfortunately, the Quattro Cilindri was not competitive and so Guilo Cesare Carcano created the ultimate Grand Prix racer, the 500cc Guzzi V8 for the 1955 season. Audacious and outrageous it was, wrapped in a wind cheating ‘Dustbin’ fairing, the V8, or Ottocilindri should have laid waste to all of its competitors, but it was not to be. Minor ailments kept it out of the winner’s circle despite its 172 mph top speed. Just as things were beginning to go right for the team with this complex design, the other major Italian manufacturers decided to withdraw from Grand Prix racing for the 1958 season. They simply could not justify the expense at a time when Piaggio’s Vespa and the Fiat 500 were eating into their sales. Only one Italian manufacturer continued at the top level, MV Agusta after that. At this point, Moto Guzzi had achieved 11 world speed records, 14 international titles, 55 foreign championships and 50 national speed records.

On the roads near Lake Como, Guzzi sold their popular models; the Motoleggera 65, Zigolo, 160cc Galletto, 350/500 Condor, Falcone and World War II military design, the Alce. The financial clouds were gathering despite their best efforts and a drive to export was initiated to resolve this situation.

In the 1960s, Guzzi was looking for distribution in the USA and found it with American distributor Berliner. Despite their financial struggle, Guzzi did develop a larger V-Twin, the 700cc V7 model. This model, with input from Berliner became a sales success with US police forces and helped create further demand for the larger, sportier machines that would follow, like the Lino Tonti-designed V7 Sport. These big twins formed the backbone of the modern Moto Guzzi era.

Iconic models like the Ambassador, the Eldorado, and the legendary LeMans series carried the company into the 1980s. At this point there was more refinement than innovation in their product range. An unlikely development occurred when Moto Guzzi took notice of the success that Pennsylvania-based dentist turned engineer and tuner Dr. John Wittner was having on race tracks in America. Wittner helped provide the next leap forward with his creative thoughts applied to the venerable Guzzi engines and chassis. Dr. John, as he’s affectionately known, eventually moved to Italy and worked with the factory to sharpen their image on and off the race tracks the world-over. Today, Guzzi offers nearly two-dozen different large V-Twin models that can do nearly anything a motorcyclist could ask for. They’ve survived through good times and bad, delivering their unique take on two-wheeled adventure to a select group of enthusiasts around the globe. With a heritage and history that rivals the best European motorcycle manufacturers, the future looks good for Moto Guzzi.

Superbikes of the 1970s

It would easy to dismiss most motorcycles from the 1970s by virtue of comparison to modern machines. New motorcycles, even small capacity ones, are so good, that it’s easy to forget where we’ve come from and how we got here. Today’s machines are packed with hi-tech features: fuel injection, anti-lock brakes, rear-mounted cameras, touchscreens, electronic throttles, adaptive headlight technology, tire sensor monitors not to mention the many life-saving improvements of better helmets and clothing with air-bags. Back in the day, a leather jacket, a pair of Levi’s jeans, open faced helmets and a pair of Aviator sunglasses were about all you could needed to go riding.

Riding a motorcycle has almost always been a little riskier, a little more anti-social than driving a car. American riders believed that they needed a V-Twin powered Indian or a Harley-Davidson to cover long distances on. We’ve come to expect that bigger, faster and stronger bikes are the natural evolution of the beast. Machines like the legendary Crocker from Los Angeles lived up to that credo and came with a money back guarantee that it was the fastest machine on two-wheels. After the second World War, American soldiers brought back home a desire for sportier vehicles they’d seen in Europe. British sports cars and British motorcycles were hot sellers in that post-war period. While the mighty Vincent Black Shadow was the fastest in the early 1950s, you were far more likely to see a Triumph, BSA or Norton being ridden by the younger crowd. Inspired by Marlon Brando’s character Johnny in the Wild One, the image of the motorcyclist now was becoming associated with that of the bad biker boy. That media-driven perception was both a blessing and a curse that would be used for and against motorcyclists for decades afterwards.

When motorcycle magazines started to chart performance more objectively, the emphasis began to shift. Motorcycles were getting faster and as advertising shifted focus in the mid to late 1960s, the desire for speed and style were coming to the fore.

When I was child and my motorcycle awareness kicked in, it was machines like my father’s BMWR69 or our neighbors’ Harley-Davidson Electric Glide that represented the whole two-wheeled world to me. Those two machines, however different they may have been, were to my young eyes, boring. I was blissfully unaware that both companies had a long and glorious racing and military heritage. They just seemed dull.

By the time I was 12 years of age in 1974, all I wanted to do was ride my Schwinn bicycle while blaring Alice Cooper’s Schools Out or Pink Floyd’s Money from the radio strapped to my handlebars. One summer day though, I heard one of the neighborhood kids rip by on his brightly colored Sunrise Orange metallic Honda. My head spun around and my jaw probably dropped wide open at the sight of it. It might have been a 550 Four or 750, I couldn’t tell from that distance. It doesn’t matter, however. What did matter was what it did to my teenage brain and how it still makes my head turn whenever I hear a fast motorcycle go by all these years later.

During the heyday of high performance, unrepentant, testosterone-fueled advertising featured women who desired to be with a guy who rode a bike like the one in the magazine ad. It was but a few years journey from Honda’s friendly “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” to the tawdry British “Norton Girls” ad campaigns, but it was in-sync with the changing times. The Swinging Sixties were fading but the 1970s were more hooked than ever on the idea that sex sells and that included transportation. And besides, who could resist a man who smelled of Hai Karate and two-stroke oil? As the television ads of the era proclaimed, “Kawasaki let the Good Times Roll!”

Superbikes of the 1970s run the gamut from refined (think BMW R90s) to anti-social, like the Kawasaki H1. The H1 was a low-budget bomb that blew away almost anything on two or four wheels in the quarter mile in those days. I can’t say I ever saw a real Ducati 750SS or MV Agusta 750 America when they were new, but I’d read about them and knew they existed. Fast machines like the brutish Kawasaki Z1 and the two-stroke Suzuki and Yamaha motorcycles were what I saw and heard on the streets of my town. The Easy Rider style choppers were visible as well, but my focus was on the Cafe Racer-look and the guys who rode them. These machines were mean and lean. Purposeful. Clip on bars, bikini fairings and a four-into-one exhaust system helped create an illusion of speed even when they were parked and that was seared into my brain. Many a school day was spent doodling two-wheeled dream machines.

Another decade would slip by before I had my first street bike, a Honda V30 Magna. The lure of a left-over bargain priced cruiser drew me in as a first time buyer and novice rider, but it wasn’t long before I’d traded that for a Moto Guzzi 850. The used Moto Guzzi was interesting and it took me on many great long trips, but was swapped out in a moment of moto-lust. I’d finally found what I was looking for, a candy-colored dream machine just like the one in my childhood notebook, a 1974 Rickman Honda CR750. As I explained to my wife when I brought it home: “I just had to have it”, I stammered it, “I’ve always wanted one”. That wouldn’t be the last time she’d hear that now familiar refrain. The lure of nostalgia harkens back to a simpler time before cell phones and the internet and that’s awfully appealing to me. How about you?

MV Agusta 750 America

2021-01-10T12:47:00.025-08:00

1977 MV Agusta 750 America

The howl from the exhaust pipes of the MV 750 America (MV4C75) is both exquisite and unforgettable. The iconic gear-driven sound is pure Italian theatre. Its Grand Prix heritage is unmistakable and when its above 5,000 rpm it starts to wail. The sounds changes and the machine moves quickly, without hesitation. It lunges forward like a big V-12 Ferrari and it has immense presence. Yes, it is that good and then some.

Desirability and rarity have driven the cost up and that means the 750 Americas are seldom seen on the road. That's a shame, because they represent the pinnacle of the MV Agusta road machines. With the death of Count Domenico Agusta in 1971, just a few years prior to the introduction of the America, the MV Grand Prix racing effort was halted. The economic reality of expensive motorcycle production at a time when sales were declining meant the end for the famous Italian manufacturer. MV had won 37 World Championships. Some of the greatest riders of their day rode the red fire-engines of Gallarate. It is a proud racing heritage.

Is this really happening?

I was hanging out with my buddies at a motorcycle swap meet on that fateful Sunday in January 2019

when my phone rang. The voice on the other end said, "I just bought you an MV Agusta and I'll need payment at my office on Monday." Gulp. I wasn't quite prepared for that but should have been.

After lusting after a 750 MV for years, I said that I would like to buy one to a few friends who trade in them. I just didn't expect it to happen that quickly though. As I drove home I was thinking about what I would tell my wife about this unexpected purchase. I also had to come up with the rest of the money in 24 hours. I'd just sold a couple of old racing motorcycles, but was still short by a large sum. I knew just who to call though, the same company that loaned me money when I bought an MV 750 Oro a decade ago. They turned me down, but another finance company came to the rescue and the funds were secured the same day. This was indeed really happening. I was the new owner of a MV Agusta America.

Two weeks later it arrived along with the 13 other motorcycles my friend bought that weekend for his other clients. It was absolutely stunning to finally see it for the first time. I paid my bill, thanked my friend and loaded it up into trailer for the short trip home. Did I mention I may have forgotten to tell my wife about that purchase? I guess she'd find out when I opened the trailer doors in the driveway.

We shall see

My MV 750 America, as purchased, with full fairing. We'll be putting the fairing back on at some point, but until we make sure the engine is rock solid and running 100% it's much easier to work on without the fairing.

Sand-cast engine cases and double overhead cams mated to a 5-speed gearbox delivered 75 horsepower via shaft-drive. The twin front disc brakes and rear drum offer plenty of stopping power.

I took this photo of my late father John & brother Michael eyeballing a 750 America with Magni pipes about 20 years ago. Dad was a connoisseur of Italian motorcycles and interesting European cars. Having grown up in the era of MV domination, he admired them, but despite having both Moto Guzzi's and Ducati's, but he never made the leap to a big MV. I'm certain he would have enjoyed riding one.

As a teenager I couldn't have dreamt it possible that I would someday throw a leg over this exotic, Italian Superbike. Just the thought of riding one, let alone owning one. I'd been fascinated by the 750 MV Agusta road bikes for long time. It didn't seem likely that I'd get one as prices had been steadily rising over the last twenty years. Given the relative exclusivity (about 200 750S America made) , maintenance cost and lack of pricey parts, it was being elevated to cult status. It seems to be the provenance of rich, old men who seldom rode them. I wanted one while I was still young and crazy enough to ride it.

First day sorting out with a friend. He cleaned the carbs, added a new battery, fresh oil change, new fuel lines and in-line filters

Later this day, my first day of ownership was nearly my last. After riding my new MV for an hour or more, I swapped motorcycles with my buddy who had helped me prep the bike. I neglected to lift the sidestand on his old BMW R60 and crashed heavily at the first turn we came to. I hit a wooden post and rail fence at about 50 mph and broke my right arm in five places. More critically, I injured my left arm, suffering a painful brachial plexus dislocation and torn bicep. I was lucky to regain some function several months later. It was scary to think I'd never ride again and I endured many hours of rehab on both arms. Good friends and family got me through this painful period.

A year later I could still barely move the big MV or any other of my motorcycles around in the garage. Slowly, I regained good usage of arm so that I could ride increasingly larger bikes and eventually the MV 750 America again. I must confess, I wasn't sure that would ever happen again. While I still haven't returned to racing (1973 MV Agusta 350 & 1961 Norton Manx in AHRMA classic racing), I am hopeful that will happen again someday, too.

-----

In the summer of 2020, with the COVID 19 Pandemic raging, I went to see a friend for a socially distant, outdoor tune-up.

I have the good fortune of having a world renowned marque expert live nearby. Albert Bold of Bold Precision in Phoenixville, PA knows MV Agusta motorcycles. He's a master machinist and enthusiastic MV Owner who knows how to make the 750 fours perform properly in either stock or modified form. Albert spent some time tuning the carbs and swapping fuel tanks so I could ride mine while he repaired the rusty tank that was on the bike. When I purchased the bike, it looked great, but the previous fuel tank coating was coming undone.

The 1977 MV 750S America and the 1978 Ducati 900SS

Icons of Style and Speed,

This 1977 MV Agusta was first sold in England and later to a gentleman in South Africa, hence the speedometer in KPH instead of MPH. The bike came to the USA in 2018.

The Ducati would leave it for dead on the back roads, but that's to be expected, isn't it? The lightweight, no-frills Ducati 900SS was the epitome of a street-legal road racer in the mid 1970s. The MV is considerably heavier, but no less impressive to ride quickly.

The 350 MV and 750 MV

Norton Atlas 750

2021-01-03T10:07:00.021-08:00

main photo by Raymond Schwab October 2020

See Ray's work @RCS4 on Instragram

The Norton Atlas was introduced in 1962 for the American market by the Berliner Brothers, the U.S. importers for the machine. Based on the long-running Dominator series twins, the Atlas 750 was not as fast as the 650SS that proceeded it. That was not its mission. The Atlas was offered with high rise style handlebars so U.S riders could cruise long stretches in comfort. Many riders switched to the lower, straight bars their European counterparts used, however. For a company with such a long and proud racing history, they didn't make very good use of that in American print advertising.

It was telling that the increase in bore and stroke made the engine less eager to pull revs than it's smaller predessor, which was one used to reduce vibration. The company would eventually switch to a Isolastic frame to further quell the vibes, which it did successfully. The Atlas, though, like the 650SS, would use the world-famous Norton Featherbed frame, which helped them dominate road racing for a decade with the single-cylinder Manx model, particularly at the Isle of Man T.T. races.

The Featherbed frame, which was developed by Crommie and Rex McCandless in Ireland was sold to the Nortons Company. They did away with rigid frame and plunger shock absorbers by using a swinging arm design with the new frame. It was later named by Norton factory racer Harold Daniel after comparing its handling and comfort to its predessor, the 'Garden Gate' Manx. This twin loop, duplex frame was a game-changer and was much copied by manufacturers who wanted a machine that didn't tie itself in knots when used in anger. The Atlas uses a Slimline Featherbed frame, so-called for the narrower width of the backbone tubes from the Wideline frame.

The Manx racing frame, which was constructed by Ken Sprayson using 40 feet of Reynolds 531

manganese molybdendum steel tubing that was sif-welded. The racing version was not suitable for high-volume construction and so the street verison of the featherbed were made of grade A mild steel.

Despite the change to a beefier chassis, the famous solid handing characterisctics of the racing Norton Manx was realized. This was, in no part due to the highly-regarded Norton Roadholder front forks as well.

At an advertised 56 horsepower, the Atlas was no slouch with a top speed at nearly 100 mph. While it wasn't the road-burner that the advertising would have you believe, it was one of the faster bikes of its day. Offered intially as a 6-volt, single-carbuettor model, the Atlas was upgraded to 12 volt and twin Amal Monobloc carbs before long. The Lucas magneto was later dropped in favor of a capacitor electrial system with an alternator.

Road & Track

1968 Norton Atlas and the 1961 Norton Manx

The Atlas and the P-11 Scrambler model on the cover of the July 1967 issue of Cycle magazine.

By todays standards, these old British mototrcycles aren't very fast, don't stop very quickly and require a hands-on owner who will keep it running properly. That does not mean, however, that the Atlas isn't dependable or enjoyable. It is. You just need to put on your goggles and go for a ride. As the miles pass by, the lack of modern amenities doesn't seem to be as important as you thought it might have been. Let your mind unwind to that Swinging Sixties style and have fun. It's easy on an Atlas.

Radnor Hunt Concours Garden Party

2020-12-23T13:48:00.021-08:00

In 2020 Covid 19 has turned the whole world upside down and events like ours were no exception. Most auto events were cancelled, postponed or moved online. We will, in due time, move forward again and be better prepared for the next surprise this world throws at us. For now, we're listening to the science and remaining vigilant.

Putting on a National-level Concours that features 100 motorcars and nearly half as many motorcycles is a big task. The Radnor Hunt Concours requires a team of volunteers who work year round to make this show possible. When Covid restrictions started trending down in the late summer, the idea of a Garden Party to raise funds for our beneficiary, Thorncroft Equestrian Therapy was put into action.

You can still donate to help Thorncroft at :

www.thorncroft.org

With that in mind, a small group was of volunteers was assembled, sponsors were drafted, and donors stepped up. A good day was had by all. Safety practices, such as social distancing and wearing masks (except for some photos and refreshments) and open air were the order of the day. Looking back, it was one of the hightlights of an otherwise difficult and tragic year for so many. It's important to remember how very fortunate we are to be healthy each and every day. Stay safe !

1961 Norton Manx greets guests at arrival

1973 MV Agusta 750 Sport

Featherbed frame duo

the 1968 Norton Atlas and the 1961 Norton Manx

Art Deco French style

Delahaye acryilic steering wheel and switches

The 1923 Mars White Mars A23.

It's powered by a Maybach flat twin engine mounted in a box section frame and it was started with hand crank. The nearside view shows the spare wheel on the unusual German machine.

Beautiful restored Bugatti type 57

The Delahaye delighted

1938 HRD Vincent Series A Rapide 998cc twin

MV Agusta 175cc racer

1962 Ferrari 250PF cabriolet

A different vibe this year

Air hugs and kisses and keeping a distance

Green German defending the turf from the Brits

Radnor Hunt Executive Board

At the end of our fine day, I was offered a chance to ride the recently restored MV 750 Sport by the well-known MV guru and owner, Albert Bold. He and his wife had ridden the glamorous Italian stallion over 30 miles to the event and the bike sounded fantstic as they entered the farm. Did I ride it? Of course! It's in fine fettle and Albert promised to make my own MV 750 America run as well as his machine someday soon. That's good news as this is the best MV 750 I've ever ridden. Something to look forward too next year.

Some of the photos in this feature were supplied to Radnor Hunt Concours by Bearded Mug photography, the rest by the author

2020-03-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Van Veen Kreidler 50cc Grand Prix motorcycle

Swiss rider Stefan Dorflinger raced 50cc and later 80cc Grand Prix machines to four consecutive FIM World Championships

One of Stefan Dorflingers 50cc machines from this period. 120 mph top speed was achieved from a mere 50cc single cylinder engine. This machine revs to over 18,000 rpm, making 22 hp and features a Nico Bakker space frame and swing arm.

The four-time World Champion hard on the gas !

The Van Veen Kreidler carried sponsorship and technical assistance from Krauser

Kroeber Tachometer

Perspective: Yamaha TZ750 vs. Kreidler 50cc

Radnor Hunt Concours 2019

2019-09-27T13:12:00.001-07:00

The 23rd Annual Radnor Hunt Concours
Sunday, September 8, 2019

Photos by Raymond Schwab, Harry Markel and John Lawless

Three Crocker V-Twin motorcycles were on display including this Small Tank model, a Big Tank and an unrestored Small Tank Hemi-Head model.

Porsche 914/6 with Douglass Dragon Fly and Rickman /AJS7R behind

Ferrari TDF

The black & white styling of BMW still has a crisp, clean look 90 years later

The 1970 Porsche 917 LH Hippie Car

HRD Vincent V-Twin powerhouse

An arrary of motorcycles that were raced by Gina Bovaird, our Special Guest, were on display including her two RG500 Suzuki's, a Yamaha TA125 and a Motor Morini 175

A Benelli 250/4

BSA Gold Star in Competition trim

Jewel-like MV Agusta 175 Corse

Ex-Gina Bovaird Yamaha TA125

Christpher Aker and Erin Quirk with the 1914 Excelsior V-Twin

The Fiat Multipla is as appelaing today as when it was designed.

The Porsche Carrera GT

Mercedes 540K

Triumph TR3

1939 World's Fair paint-scheme on the Indian Chief - Pure Americana

Porsche 906

Ex-Gina Bovaird Moto Morini 175

Every show needs Dino

The list of Motorcycle Winners for 2019

AMERICAN: 1939 Crocker 61 in Hemi Twin (unrestored) Presented by Steve Geiger

JAPANESE: 1981 Suzuki RG500 Mk6 (ex- Gina Bovaird) Presented by William Himmelsbach

ENGLISH: 1962 BSA DBD34 Gold Competition model Presented by Kerry Kubena

GERMAN: 1929 BMW R63 racer Presented by Christopher Aker

ITALIAN: 1978 MV Agusta 850SS Presented by David Markel

COMPETITION: 1981 Suzuki RG500 Mk6 Presented by William Himmelsbach

Preservation Award: 1939 Crocker 61 In Hemi Twin (unrestored) Presented by Steve Geiger

Historical Significance: 1949 Vincent / HRD Black Shadow Presented by William Weissman

Spirit of Radnor: 1966 Moto Morini 125 racer ( ex- Gina Bovaird) Presented by David Najarian

Best of Show: 1939 Crocker 61 inch Twin Small Tank Presented by David Markel

American racer Gina Bovaird in the U.K. circa 1982 with her Yamaha TZ500 She would use both a TZ500 and a Suzuki RG500 in Europe. Gina would go on to become the only woman to qualify for a 500cc Grand Prix race. Earlier in this same year she became the fastest rookie to ever lap Daytona Speedway at 183 mph on this same machine.

Coatesville Vintage Grand Prix 2018

2018-10-15T17:21:00.001-07:00

The 3rd Annual Coatesville Vintage Grand Prix was a rousing success with an incredible line up of sports racing cars and motorcycles. It's an incredible opportunity for racers to share their passion for these vintage machines on this unique 2 mile course thru the heart of Coatesville, PA.

1939 Alfa tipo 159

1972 MV Agusta 350 and Norton 750

American Iron Publisher and Editor Buzz Kanter gets ready to parade the 1938 Indian.

Architect Stephen 'Chick' duPont is astride Buzz's Indian. The duPont family once owned Indian Motorcycle Co.

Mike and Ralph take the Ferrari P4 for a few quick laps.

Peter Rehl at the wheel of his Cooper Norton Mk IV. Powered by 500cc dohc single

from a Manx Norton motorcycle

American Muscle featured a number of Blue Oval racers

Shelby Coupe