I like old and I often slowly curse the historic districts of my town when riding my "old" bike I call Excalibur. One of my favorite old tree lined neighborhoods has several large well maintained houses ranging from the late 1840’s to the early nineteen-teens.
While riding by one particularly nice Italianate style mansion an older gentleman was leaving the drive and stopped and waved me over. He began to tell me about his 1907 Marsh-Metz motorcycle. I do know of the man and he has a reputation of being very private and perhaps even a little eccentric. In fact I know a few local car guys have tried to persuade him into a viewing of his collection only to be rebuffed. Not a untypical old money attitude.
Needless to say I was thrilled when invited me to the carriage house for a look-see!
The bike had a older restoration, but is very complete and otherwise original. Perhaps the largest detraction was the hand painted graphics, a little chroming here and there, and the use of over scaled modern spokes. It is in working condition but leaks oil badly and is inconvenient to ride in a modern world of stop signs on every corner as it is direct drive.
Other vehicles included was his high school graduation gift a then new 1953 Jaguar, a very hip custom bodied Model T Hot Rod he build himself while still in high school, 3 other large luxury cars from the teens (obscures brand who’s names I can’t recall) and the highlight of the collection a beautifully restored 1912 Stanley Steamer!
He said this time of year he likes to take them out every couple of weeks to help keep them healthy. And I have on occasion seen him putting around.
At times he seemed uncomfortable about having me in there, and would begin to rush things. But other times his enthusiasm won over, and mine was undeniably present and genuine! Sorry but I just feel certain he wouldn’t of liked the idea of photos being made… Reference pic’s from online.
However he did take my number and said next time he runs the Stanley Steam car he would invite me to go along. We’ll see…
I know the local Yamaha dealer here has a original paint 1912 Harley stashed away in the back room, so that's at least 2 originals in a town of 60,000.
Nice to know that this stuff is still out there! Wonder what else might be hidden away...?
-Mr. B.
While riding by one particularly nice Italianate style mansion an older gentleman was leaving the drive and stopped and waved me over. He began to tell me about his 1907 Marsh-Metz motorcycle. I do know of the man and he has a reputation of being very private and perhaps even a little eccentric. In fact I know a few local car guys have tried to persuade him into a viewing of his collection only to be rebuffed. Not a untypical old money attitude.
Needless to say I was thrilled when invited me to the carriage house for a look-see!
The bike had a older restoration, but is very complete and otherwise original. Perhaps the largest detraction was the hand painted graphics, a little chroming here and there, and the use of over scaled modern spokes. It is in working condition but leaks oil badly and is inconvenient to ride in a modern world of stop signs on every corner as it is direct drive.
Other vehicles included was his high school graduation gift a then new 1953 Jaguar, a very hip custom bodied Model T Hot Rod he build himself while still in high school, 3 other large luxury cars from the teens (obscures brand who’s names I can’t recall) and the highlight of the collection a beautifully restored 1912 Stanley Steamer!
He said this time of year he likes to take them out every couple of weeks to help keep them healthy. And I have on occasion seen him putting around.
At times he seemed uncomfortable about having me in there, and would begin to rush things. But other times his enthusiasm won over, and mine was undeniably present and genuine! Sorry but I just feel certain he wouldn’t of liked the idea of photos being made… Reference pic’s from online.
However he did take my number and said next time he runs the Stanley Steam car he would invite me to go along. We’ll see…
I know the local Yamaha dealer here has a original paint 1912 Harley stashed away in the back room, so that's at least 2 originals in a town of 60,000.
Nice to know that this stuff is still out there! Wonder what else might be hidden away...?
-Mr. B.
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