The Antique Motorcycle Club of America (AMCA) is partnering with the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum, and they’re kicking off the new alliance with a special exhibit, Motorcycles: 1884-1973, at the AACA Museum in Hershey, Pa., starting Sunday, June 8.

The antique motorcycle exhibits will be located within the Antique Auto Museum at Hershey.  Initially, 30- 40 rare motorcycles will be on exhibit. The majority of the bikes and artifacts will be displayed in the new AMCA Gallery. However, don’t miss the chance to see period-correct motorcycles intermingled with over 100 historic automobiles in the timeline exhibit that spans eight decades.

Other museum highlights include:
•The largest collection of historic buses under one roof in the country
•Recreated turn of the century machine shop and 1940s gas station
•The Lakeland bus from the movie Forrest Gump
•1950’s Drive-In theater scene (new for 2008)
•Cars from the 1930s – 1950s used in the movie The Good Shepherd
•Changing special exhibits. For summer 2008 - The Rise and Fall of the Tail Fin in American Automotive Design
•Interactive photo area with cars you can sit in and motorcycles you can pose on

The AMCA is actively seeking loaned or donated motorcycles for future exhibitions in the AMCA Gallery within the Antique Auto Museum at Hershey.

Please contact AMCA acting business development manger Geoff Ringlé (geoffamca@aol.com) or AMCA president Rocky Halter ( RHa4280280@aol.com). For information on joining the Antique Motorcycle Club of America please visit
www.antiquemotorcycle.org or call Marilyn Hostetler at (952) 472-2622.

For directions or more information about the AACA museum, call (717) 566-7100 or visit www.aacamuseum.org

The Bonhams' Legend auction on May 3rd totalled nearly $2-million, setting World Auction Records and capping a $6-million series of Bonhams' bike sales. One highlight was this 1975 Ducati 750SS which sold for $117,000.

Motorcycle enthusiasts assembled in the ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay, Calif., on Saturday, May 3, 2008 for Bonhams & Butterfields' second annual sale of exceptional motorcycles and automobilia, held in conjunction with the Legends of the Motorcycle Concours d'Elegance. More than $1.9-million was paid for rare and desirable motorbikes, collectibles and artwork from private and corporate collections, including a Steve McQueen "bobber style" Indian Sport Scout and an Evel Knievel Harley, each hammer followed by a hearty round of applause from the standing-room-only crowd.

Bidders onsite for the auction included an international pool of collectors and self-described "petrol heads" from France, England, Australia, Japan and all parts of the US. A contingent of Hollywood celebs included actors from the big and small screens and their required entourages. Telephone bidders were successful for several lots as competitive bidding pushed prices to record setting levels for several lots.

Having had one owner since new, a 1975 Ducati 750SS 'Round Case' drew much attention, bidders closely inspecting it throughout the day-long preview, until the point when Bonhams staff rolled it before the auctioneer's podium. CEO and auctioneer Malcolm Barber sold the well-maintained, original condition 750 for $117,000, setting a new auction world record.

Steve McQueen's 1940 Indian Sport Scout was offered with a certificate signed by Terry and Chad McQueen and was part of the McQueen Estate auction in Las Vegas in 1984 before becoming a centerpiece of the Michael Corbin Collection in 2000. The Scout sold for $52,650. Twenty bikes and 70-lots of automobilia from the Corbin Collection were of great interest to bidders, three of the auctions top ten lots stemming from that $667,000 collection.

Seven bikes formerly on exhibit within the museum onsite at the Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson dealership also brought strong collector interest, highlighted by the collection's earliest gas-powered model, the dealership's 1929 Harley-Davidson 74ci JDH (sold for $67,860). This motorbike has appeared in magazines and toured in museum exhibitions. A peddle-powered Harley on sale was a 1918 Harley-Davidson bicycle, which sold within estimate for $4,095.

The 2004 red, white and blue Harley-Davidson 88ci Heritage Softail formerly in the collection of Evel Knievel, an icon considered one of the world's greatest stuntmen and member of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame as of 1999, sold for $46,800.

Other top-selling lots from Saturday's auction include:

- $69,030 was paid for a 1993 MV Agusta 861cc Magni [lot 151]

- A 1973 MV Agusta 750S sold for $66,690 [lot 166]

- A 1955 Vincent 998cc Black Knight sold for $65,520 [lot 147]

- From the Michael Corbin Collection, a 1929 Indian-Crocker 45ci Overhead-Valve Conversion brought $64,350 [lot 117]

- $58,500 paid for an 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmueller Re-creation, an assembled example of the world's first production motorbike [lot 131]

- From the Michael Corbin Collection came a 1940 Indian Four, sold for $56,160 [lot 112]

- From the Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson Collection, a 1940 Harley-Davidson 61ci EL sold for $49,140 [lot 126]

The illustrated catalog for the 2008 Legends of the Motorcycle auction is online at here.

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Announces 2008 Inductees

Six industry icons will join the ranks of American motorcycling legends

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – The Motorcycle Hall of Fame, home to the stories and legends of American motorcycling heritage, is pleased to announce the selection of six individuals for induction.  The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2008 includes Vaughn Beals, Rod Coates, Scot Harden, Larry “Supermouth” Huffman, Terry Poovey and Rolf Tibblin.  The annual induction ceremony will take place Saturday evening, October 11, 2008, at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio.

Each year, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame ensures that the accomplishments of motorcycling’s legends and leaders are permanently captured to inspire future generations of enthusiasts.  The 2008 inductees join a distinguished group of over 300 men and women who have played a vital role in shaping the vibrant nature of the sport and business of motorcycling, thanks to their competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship.

Held during Hall of Fame Weekend, the formal induction ceremony brings together hundreds of industry leaders, friends and family to celebrate the honorees’ lives.  In addition to receiving the distinguished gold Motorcycle Hall of Fame Medal signaling a lifetime of achievement, each inductee will be permanently featured in the Museum’s Hall of Fame gallery.

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2008 includes:

Vaughn Beals – An insightful executive, Beals was instrumental in paving the way for The Motor Company to prosper.  He led the leveraged buyout of the company from former owner AMF, then served as Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson from 1981–1989 and as Chairman from 1981–1996. Since 1996, he has served as Chairman Emeritus.  Throughout his tenure, Beals’ vision helped reinvigorate Harley-Davidson and elevate the company and brand to an iconic status.

Rod Coates – A racer and businessman, Rod Coates was a pioneer throughout his career.  Following World War II, he sold Ariel, BMW, Triumph and Vincent motorcycles before the companies established official U.S. distributors.  In racing, Coates won the 1950 Daytona 100-mile race on a Triumph Grand Prix 500cc Twin and went on to serve on various AMA racing committees.  As Service Manager of The Triumph Corporation, Triumph’s Eastern U.S. distributor from 1951-1970, Coates created the company’s Service Schools for dealer technician training, later emulated by other bike importers; influenced the Triumph factory to offer numerous features to improve the quality and performance of its machines; and organized and led the company’s Competition Department, sponsoring racers Ed Fisher, Don Burnett and Gary Nixon.

Scot Harden – One of off-road racing’s most influential champions, Scot Harden has achieved victory across the United States, Europe and South America during a career that has spanned nearly 35 years. Notably, Harden has two overall wins at the prestigious Baja 1000 and is a three-time ISDE medalist. Additionally, he was the winner of the 1987 Djerba 500 Rally – Tunisia and winner of the 1987 Rallye de Atlas – Morocco. Harden’s work in the powersport industry has allowed him to help shape younger stars, including Dan Smith, Danny Hamel and Russ Pearson.  Harden has worked in sales, marketing, and race management roles at Husqvarna, Cagiva, KTM, and at the helm of his own company, Harden Off-Road.

Larry “Supermouth” Huffman – Known as the “Voice of Supercross,” Larry Huffman’s inimitable commentary has informed countless race fans.  Often imitated but never duplicated, the thoroughly unique Huffman has announced motor sports events in Japan, Canada, and nearly every major stadium in the United States.  He has also served as color commentator for virtually every major network.  Huffman shared his racing knowledge with fans by producing and hosting “Motorcycle World with Larry Huffman,” as well as through his role as host and co-writer of the movie “On Any Sunday II.”  Huffman earned his “Supermouth” nickname for his ability to speak at over 300 words per minute.

Terry Poovey – A consistent winner throughout his career, Terry Poovey earned his first taste of victory as a sophomore in high school.  Having traveled to Daytona to compete in the short track races held during Bike Week, Poovey placed second in the Expert race on Junior/Expert night and launched a career of podium finishes. In over 350 National final starts, Poovey finished in the top ten over 200 times and the top five 80 times.  Poovey earned 11 AMA National wins.

Rolf Tibblin – An intense competitor, Rolf Tibblin won the 250cc European Motocross Championship in 1958 and 1959. He went on to become the 500cc World Champion in 1962 and 1963. As a member of several Swedish Motocross des Nations teams, Tibblin was renowned for his serious training regimen. Tibblin shared his intense training methods, and helped shaped future motocross champions, through his U.S. training school. 

Weekend Also Features 7th Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction is an emotional celebration that brings together some of the most recognizable people and machines from the world of motorcycling.  In addition to induction ceremonies, visitors can also enjoy the Museum’s 7th Annual Concours d’Elegance, which drew over 100 juried entries in 2007 – including many bikes ridden, raced, designed or built by current Motorcycle Hall of Fame members.  The weekend kicks off with “An Evening of Stars and Legends,” a reception honoring the Class of 2008, set for the evening of Friday, October 10, at the Museum.  All activities are open to the public.  For more information, call the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum at (614) 856-2222, or visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org

About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Each year, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering.  Any motorcycling enthusiast may submit a person to be considered for induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.  For details on the nomination process, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
The goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling.  Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum honors those who have contributed notably to the sport, and three major exhibition halls showcase the machines and memorabilia that have shaped motorcycling. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult admission is $10 per person; students 12–17, $3.  AMA members $5.  Seniors receive a $2 discount and members of motorcycle clubs and organizations are eligible for a $1 discount per ticket.  A $25 family rate and group rates are also available.  For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Museum’s website at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.