I had the pleasure of advising on (and being included in) a mammoth new project from publishers Taschen: the 2-volume set of The Ultimate Collector Motorcycles, a 20lb behemoth in a lovely slipcover with several cover variations – my advanced copy has a Münch Mammüt, but I’ve also seen a Brough Superior Golden Dream and Gilera Four GP.  The books are written by Peter and Charlotte Fiell and edited by Taschen; it’s a real blockbuster, and like nothing else published about motorcycles.  The intent was to revisit the idea of a Top 100 list of the most important (‘collectible’) motorcycles, and the bikes were sourced from around the world, in private collections and museums, representing a truly remarkable array of machines…some of which I’ve Road Tested on The Vintagent!

Support The Vintagent!  Order your Collector’s Edition ($250) here with free shipping anywhere in the world! 

Order your Fine Art Edition ($850) here, it’s the most lavishly produced motorcycle book EVER!!!  It comes in two separate slipcases, and has a tipped-in cover photo printed on metal, with an extraordinary deep gloss, silver paper edging, and larger size (11.25×14.5″). It’s so impressive, we sold four at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering – there’s really nothing like it anywhere!

From Taschen PR:

“Dream Rides: the most spectacular bikes on the planet.  From the 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller to the 2020 Aston Martin AMB001, this book lavishly explores 100 of the most desirable motorcycles to have ever sped thrillingly around a circuit or along an open road.  From pioneering record-breakers, luxury tourers, and legendary roadracers to GP-winning machines, iconic superbikes, and exotic customs, this book celebrates motorcycle design and engineering at its highest level. Many examples are from acclaimed private collections and very rarely seen.  Others are the all-out stars of renowned motorcycle museums – such as teh 1938 Brough Superior ‘Golden Dram’ or the 1957 MV Agusta 500 4C, which took John Surtees to World Championship glory.  Alongside some early survivors in astonishingly original condition is a stable of fabled racers – the actual machines that were competed on by the likes of Dario Abrosini, Tarquniio Provini, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Barry Sheene, and Kenny Roberts.

The fascinating stories behind these fabulous motorbikes are expertly recounted in detail, alongside stunning imagery specially taken for the book by the world’s leading motorcycle photographers.  Also included are rare archival gems, from early posters to remarkable action shots.  In addition, there is a forward by legendary petrolhead Jay Leno, and interviews with George Barber, founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum; Sammy Miller, championship-winning racer and founder of the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum; Ben Walker, Department Director of Motorcycles at Bonhams; Paul d’Orléans, founder of The Vintagent; and Gordon McCall, cofounder of the Quail Motorcycle Gathering, the world-renowned motorcycle concours event.held in Carmel Valley, California.

The Moto Guzzi V8 revealed, with a well-researched storyline explaining its technical and historic importance. [Taschen]
A cornucopia of motorcycle treasure and an absolute must-have for all bike enthusiasts!”

We’ll have discounted copies available soon on The Vintagent – stay tuned!   The ‘famous first edition’ is limited to 9000 copies, while there’s an art edition of 1000 copies coming too – more details to follow on our Instagram and Facebook pages.

A Crocker ‘Small Tank’ is included, of course. Read our Crocker history here (and enjoy the Comments section!) [Taschen]
The Imola Ducati 750SS we included in our Silver Shotgun exhibit at the Petersen Museum. [Taschen]
For something more modern, how about a Yamaha inline 4 two-stroke GP racer? [Taschen]
…and the box it comes in, something of a work of art itself! [Paul d’Orleans]
 

Paul d’Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

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