Best Honda Four went to Jim Culora and his 1979 Honda CB750F Super Sport, peppered with a slew of “tasty” ’80s mods”.
The Barber Vintage Festival seems to get bigger and better every year. This year’s event, which ran Oct. 4-6, was maybe the hottest temps we’ve ever faced, but we’re told ticket sales were up some 15 percent over the prior year. Event Grand Marshal John Penton was the guest of honor at Friday night’s Motorcycles by Moonlight museum fundraiser, but before that, he kindly swung by the Motorcycle Classics tent to sign autographs and chat with readers. Also joining us was John’s son Jack Penton. Jack is an accomplished offroad racer, and also a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Gentlemen, thanks for joining us!
Rick Schaeffer won our award for Best Japanese Rider with his 1977 Honda Gold Wing, which is original and well-loved, showing some 30,000 miles, yet it looks brand-new.
Best European Rider went to David Miller and his 1970 Moto Guzzi Ambassador, which had just been resurrected and put back on the road after a 32-year rest
Best British Rider went to David Schaefer and his all original 1964 Triumph Tiger
Best British Restored went to Mark Sawicki and his 1920 Clyno Lightweight.
Best Japanese Restored went to Joe Templeton for his 1971 Bridgestone TMX 100.
Our featured class this year was Honda Fours, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the debut of the 1969 Honda CB750 Four. Two Fours in the show got our attention. The first was Jim Culora’s CB750F Super Sport, a two-owner bike which he has lovingly modified over the years with a host of race-spec parts, like 16-inch front and 18-inch rear mag wheels (see photo at top). The second was Barry Schonberger’s Honda CB750, which combines bits from 1972 and 1974 machines, and was originally built in 1979 with an ATP Turbo kit. Many thanks to the Barber Museum’s Brian Slark and MC author and friend Corey Levenson who helped us with the judging.
Best Custom went to Chris Klamer, who built this wild 1981 Honda CB750.
Jack Penton (left), John Penton (middle) and a lucky reader getting a Penton jersey signed by the man himself.
Best Restored European went to Parker Lilly and his 1974 Ducati 750 G.
Though it didn’t win an award, we were wowed by this neat period Honda CB750K, with — you guessed it — a turbo. Thanks to owner Barry Schonberger for bringing it out!
Best in Show went to Keith Martin of Big D Cycle, Dallas, Texas, and his 1938 Triumph Speed Twin (facing page). Martin restored the bike, then took it on the Cross Country Chase, a rally from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Key West, Florida, over the course of eight days, this past fall. Too cool.
Keith Martin and his 1938 Triumph Speed Twin won Best in Show.
Dates are already set for the 16th Annual Vintage Festival, Oct. 9-11, 2020. Be there!MC
