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A pristine 1909 Merkel-Light Model A (back) greets you at the starting point of the “Around the World on Two Wheels” exhibit.
A pristine 1909 Merkel-Light Model A (back) greets you at the starting point of the “Around the World on Two Wheels” exhibit. (Andrew Cherney/)

If you’ve been to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, you already know what an impressive collection of meticulously restored metal is housed in that sprawling 250,000 square-foot compound. In fact, it’s been recognized as the world’s largest motorcycle museum, at least according to the Guiness Book of World Records, circa 2014. But Leeds, Alabama–based Barber is also situated a pretty long ways from the West Coast, so when we heard an exhibit of select bikes curated from its two-wheel trove was opening at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, we hightailed it down to Southern California to settle in for some serious gawking.

Related: Inside The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum’s Restoration Shop

Not all the bikes are show queens though; the 1928 Sunbeam Model 80 TT—built to compete in the Isle of Man Junior TT class—is displayed in its fully unrestored original condition, warts and all.
Not all the bikes are show queens though; the 1928 Sunbeam Model 80 TT—built to compete in the Isle of Man Junior TT class—is displayed in its fully unrestored original condition, warts and all. (Barber Museum/)

This exhibit, which is laid out in the Richard Varner Family Gallery on the Petersen Museum’s second floor, draws from the Barber Museum’s extensive holdings to trace and highlight the development of the motorcycle, from its earliest beginnings as a method of personal transportation to its more modern interpretations as a racing machine, workhorse, commuter vehicle, and of course, a styling and design statement.

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why this grouping of bikes is so mind-bogglingly diverse; machines that run the gamut from one-off Grand Prix racers to popular production streetbikes to century-old examples of a simpler bygone era.

This 1950 Norton International Clubman, known as the Inter, could be configured to compete in everything from trials to roadracing. In roadrace form it eventually evolved into Norton’s Manx model.
This 1950 Norton International Clubman, known as the Inter, could be configured to compete in everything from trials to roadracing. In roadrace form it eventually evolved into Norton’s Manx model. (Andrew Cherney/)

Of course, the Petersen itself is no slouch when it comes to world-class museum venues, but these days most of the vehicles inside are of the four-wheel variety. Nevertheless, the stroll up to the second floor where the Varner Gallery is located is still an eye-opening experience for any motorhead, two-wheel or four.

Related: Electric Revolution Takes Over The Petersen Museum

A beautifully restored 1919 Harley-Davidson Model J, featuring a 989cc V-twin, hardtail rear and no front brake.
A beautifully restored 1919 Harley-Davidson Model J, featuring a 989cc V-twin, hardtail rear and no front brake. (Andrew Cherney/)

After running the gauntlet of 1932 Ford Roadsters and classic Studebakers, you arrive at the Barber exhibit where bikes are perfectly arranged in a semblance of chronological order, complete with info plaques displayed below. Kicking off the early years up front are examples like the 1905 Indian Single, a 1909 Merkel-Light, and a 1928 Sunbeam Model 80 TT, with latter-day bikes represented by Jake Zemke’s ripping Honda CBR600RR race machine and other championship-winning superbikes.

When art inspires real life, you get something like this 1952 Triumph Speed Twin custom, built by Jared Weems and based on renowned moto-artist David Mann’s “Dog Gone Hot Dogs” painting.Read More

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By: Andrew Cherney
Title: The Barber Motorcycle Museum Comes to Los Angeles
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/barber-motorcycle-museum-comes-to-los-angeles/
Published Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2023 20:19:00 +0000

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Make some noize for the Kawasaki H1 that didn’t race at Glemseck

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September 26, 2023

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Kawasaki H1 drag bike by Krautmotors
The Glemseck 101 is the European event for anyone who loves fast, impractical, and highly imaginative machines. Those who partake in it do so with cult-like levels of obsession—returning year after year in a bid to outdo each other and themselves.

Rolf Reick is a regular face at the Glemseck 101. Based in Heidelberg, Germany, the perpetually cheerful industrial designer heads up a design school in the nearby town of Mannheim. But he also has years of experience building custom bikes—like this wild Kawasaki H1 two-stroke—under the banner of Krautmotors.

Kawasaki H1 drag bike by Krautmotors

Rolf has stockpiled a number of rad bits and pieces over the years. So he set himself a goal of building a drag bike for this year’s Glemseck 101 using only recycled parts from his personal stash, turning to external sources only when necessary. (It’s not the first time he’s used this approach.)

One of the parts that Ralf already had on hand was the triple-cylinder two-stroke engine from a Kawasaki H1 Mach III; the original ‘Widowmaker.’ But it was far from stock. It had previously been rebuilt by the Kawasaki specialist Ralf Gille, with a host of upgrades that included extensive head work, a new crankshaft, and a set of Mikuni carbs.

Kawasaki H1 drag bike by KrautmotorsRead More

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By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: Make some noize for the Kawasaki H1 that didn’t race at Glemseck
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/kawasaki-h1-krautmotors
Published Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:01:55 +0000

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COVETED CARS OF THE MODERN ERA: Exploring the Allure of New Collectibles at Barrett-Jackson

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1 day ago

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September 25, 2023

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COVETED CARS OF THE MODERN ERA: Exploring the Allure of New Collectibles at Barrett-Jackson
LOT #759 – 2020 ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA – NO RESERVE

In the dynamic landscape of the automotive world, a new era of collectible vehicles has emerged, blending contemporary innovation with cutting-edge technological advancement. These modern marvels have transcended the label of mere transportation, captivating the hearts of discerning enthusiasts and astute collectors alike. With cutting-edge technology, impeccable craftsmanship and limited production numbers, these automotive works of art selling with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Las Vegas Auction embody a new breed of collectible treasures.

LOT #759 – 2020 ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA – NO RESERVE
Pictured above, this 2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is powered by a twin-turbo premium unleaded V12 engine and ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Window grid diversity antenna, 21-inch gloss black 10-twin-spoke forged wheels, valet function, trunk rear cargo access, trip computer, Touchtronic 2 sequential-shift control.

LOT #709 – 2019 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 HENNESSEY CUSTOM EDITION “RESURRECTION” – NO RESERVE
Powered by a 6.2-liter engine with an LT5 supercharger paired with an upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission. Hennessey custom edition, Serial #01, that produces 1,200hp at 6,800 rpm. May not be emissions compliant in all 50 states.

LOT #457 – 2017 FORD MUSTANG FP350S RACE CAR – NO RESERVE
Limited production, #45 of 50. Powered by a 5.2-liter Ford Racing engine paired with a TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission. Not street legal. Sold on Bill of Sale. 

LOT #468 – 2013 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED – NO RESERVE
Le Mans Edition powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo engine producing 616hp mated to an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. With 53,953 actual miles.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: COVETED CARS OF THE MODERN ERA: Exploring the Allure of New Collectibles at Barrett-Jackson
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/coveted-cars-of-the-modern-era-exploring-the-allure-of-new-collectibles-at-barrett-jackson-las-vegas-no-reserve/
Published Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:24:11 +0000

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Barrett-Jackson and the Driven Project Partner to Provide “Supercar Therapy” for Children in Need on Thursday, June 22

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September 25, 2023

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Barrett-Jackson and the Driven Project Partner to Provide “Supercar Therapy” for Children in Need on Thursday, June 22

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – June 16, 2022 – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, will kick off its 2023 Las Vegas Auction at the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention, June 22-24, by once again partnering with the Driven Project charity to provide a “supercar therapy” experience for 10 local children battling critical and chronic illnesses.

On Thursday, June 22, 10 little co-pilots and their families will arrive at the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Awaiting their arrival will be Barrett-Jackson and Driven Project teams, as well as a wide range of supercars, such as Ferraris, Lamborghinis and McLarens. At 8:30 a.m. following their arrival, the co-pilots will embark on a supercar adventure that will begin by crossing Barrett-Jackson’s world-famous auction block in the passenger seat of a supercar. Each child will receive a hero’s welcome, be introduced to those in attendance by longtime Barrett-Jackson television personality Rick DeBruhl and get pictures taken on the auction block with the supercars. Next, the co-pilots and their drivers will enjoy a cruise down Las Vegas Boulevard before returning to the West Hall for a day of family fun at the auction, including a special scavenger hunt designed just for them.

“We are excited to once again partner with the Driven Project as we host many exceptional young children and their families to kick off another highly anticipated event in Las Vegas,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve partnered with the Driven Project several times to create special, unique and impactful experiences for these children, and I can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces at Barrett-Jackson next Thursday. This is truly the perfect way to jumpstart our 2023 Las Vegas Auction.”

The Driven Project was founded by Kevin Gordon in 2018 in Vancouver, Canada, with one goal in mind: to provide “supercar therapy” to children who are battling critical and chronic illnesses and helping give them the strength to “keep driving forward” on their journey. Today, the Driven Project charity is now operating in the United States, Canada and Australia.  The “supercar therapy” experience provides these amazing children with a much-needed adrenaline-filled escape from reality, helping them stay strong through their battles and an opportunity to create memories alongside their family that they will cherish forever.

“The Driven Project is a wonderful organization, and we are delighted to once again work alongside them and their volunteers to create a day of fun and excitement for these families,” said Carolyn Jackson, Chief Philanthropy Officer for Barrett-Jackson. “Our commitment to the community has long been a foundational pillar for Barrett-Jackson and we look forward to providing another exceptional experience for these children in Las Vegas.”

Supercars will begin staging at the West Hall at 7:45 a.m. and the families will arrive at 8 a.m., with the event beginning at 8:30 a.m. Media wishing to attend are encouraged to arrive before 8:00 a.m. and are asked to please RSVP to Rodney Scearce at rscearce@barrett-jackson.com.

Click Here to view a recap video of the Driven Project at Barrett-Jackson’s 2022 Las Vegas Auction.

To learn more about the Driven Project, please visit drivenproject.com and instagram.com/drivenproject.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: Barrett-Jackson and the Driven Project Partner to Provide “Supercar Therapy” for Children in Need on Thursday, June 22
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/barrett-jackson-and-the-driven-project-partner-to-provide-supercar-therapy-for-children-in-need-on-thursday-june-22/
Published Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:35:58 +0000

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