Friday

WHAT HANDICAP?


Junior formula car standout JDC MotorSports has announced that paralyzed racer Michael Johnson will again be part of its multi-car title challenge in the 2013 edition of the Cooper Tires USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda series, and will move up with the team into the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear in 2014.

The 20-year-old Michael Johnson made history this past season, becoming the first paralyzed driver to compete in the Mazda Road to Indy program, piloting a specially-equipped hand control car in the USF2000 Championship with multiple junior formula car champion JDC MotorSports. Showing steady improvement throughout the season, the Michigan native - who was paralyzed in a motorcycle racing accident in 2005 - was a consistent top-10 performer in practice and qualifying, earning a top-10 finish in Round 10 at Road America. Johnson further highlighted his development behind the wheel during the annual year-end Chris Griffis Memorial Mazda Road to Indy test, leading one of the USF2000 Championship sessions and ending the two-day outing second on the overall time sheets.

Building on this momentum, the junior formula car rising star will reunite with JDC MotorSports for a second season of USF2000 Championship, focused on challenging for race wins and a series title. Johnson and JDC MotorSports have also confirmed he will remain with the Minnesota-based team in 2014, progressing up the Mazda Road to Indy ladder to the Star Mazda Championship. Michael Johnson Racing, in preparation for the move. has already acquired a Star Mazda car, which will now be converted by JDC MotorSports - with the input of INDYCAR and the Star Mazda Championship - to a hand control set up for 2014.

JDC MotorSports and Johnson will officially commence their 2013 season on February 5-6, when the No. 54 Universal Coating/SpeediCath/FlatOutNation.com/Red Line Oil/ Bell Racing/Alpinestars JDC MotorSports entry takes to Sebring International Raceway for the opening three races of the Cooper Tires Winterfest.

photo credit: 2012 indycar.com
edited text: 2012 indycar.com

Thursday

HENNESSY VENOM GT2


The Lotus Exige-based Hennessy Venom GT2, a derivative of the Venom GT which already had what Gizmag's Jack Martin described as "the most spectacular set of numbers of any supercar: 1200 horsepower shoehorned into a mid-engined chassis that weighs just twelve hundred kilos (2,685 lbs)."


So in case you're not aware, the 2012 model 1200 bhp 1200 kg Hennessy Venom GT already has power-to-weight parity, and as Martin irreverently observed in the same article, makes the "267 mph 1888 kg Bugatti Veyron GT look obese."

The current Venom GT weighs considerably less than the current "king of the road", the Bugatti Veyron Supersport, which owns the world speed record for production vehicles at 267mph. The Bugatti has less horsepower (1184 bhp), and is 50% heavier, tipping the scales at 1,888 kg (4,162 lbs). By comparison, the Venom GT2's 7.0L twin turbo V8 produces 1500 hp on E85 pump fuel, giving it 1.2 bhp per kilogram of kerb weight (2743 lbs) and a projected top speed of 287 mph.

The GT2 has a number of other features designed to make it more accessible than could be reasonably expected of what will possibly be the fastest car in the world when it is released, thanks to its power output (a claimed 1500 horses) and aerodynamic efficiency (aerodynamic improvements to the side mirrors, roof and front air-dam have lowered the Cd from 0.44 to 0.42).

For starters, the new double bubble roof shape means increased headroom for taller drivers and the price of the Venom GT2 will be considerably less than any of its direct competitors at US$1.25 million.

Production of the Venom GT2 will be limited to seven vehicles. Applications should be accompanied by a urine sample and a letter from the local vicar.  
 
photo credit: 2012 gizmag.com
edited text: 2012 Mike Hanlon via 2012 gizmag.com

Wednesday

ENGLAND ON THE 3RD

1959 Mercedes-Benz

COLLECTOR'S MOTOR CARS
by Bonhams
Mercedes Benz World
Brooklands
United Kingdom


+44 (0) 20 7488 5804

photo credit: 2012 bonhams 1793

ILLINOIS ON THE 1ST

THE JERRY GANT ESTATE
by Jack Wilkerson
3194 Marble Court
Decatur, Illinois


1-217-433-8008

SWITZERLAND ON THE 1ST

1953 FIAT 500

OLDTIMERS AUCTION
by The Auctioneers
Gurbestrasse 1
Toffen, Switzerland


+41 (0) 31 819 61 61

photo credit: The Auctioneers

FLORIDA ON THE 1ST

THE JOHN STALUPPI COLLECTION
by RM
Cars of Dreams Museum
North Palm Beach, Florida


1-519-352-4575

LOUISIANA ON THE 1ST OF DECEMBER

1949 BUICK

NEW ORLEANS 2012
by Vacari
Mardi Gras World
New Orleans, Louisiana


1-504-875-3563

photo credit: 2012 Vacari

BUYER AND SELLER BEWARE


Note to sellers of cloned collector cars: Not only do you have to worry about facing criminal charges for misrepresenting a cloned car, but there’s also the very real possibility of having to answer to a civil lawsuit should you get caught. And if you lose, as in the recent case of an Australian couple sued for selling a faked car, you may even have to refund the difference between a real and fake car to the unlucky buyer.

Late last year, Judge Clive Wall in the District Court in Southport, Queensland, ordered Joanne and Geoff De Rome of Gold Coast to pay AUS $108,394.04 (about U.S. $107,200) to Daniel Sammut, a Sydney-based graphic designer who bought (what was advertised as) a 1969 Ford Falcon XW GT from the De Romes. According to the lawsuit that Sammut brought against the couple, they had bought the car in July 2006 for $18,000, then in the fall of 2007 advertised it for sale as a matching numbers all-original Falcon XW GT for $143,000. Sammut answered the ad, flew to inspect the Falcon in person (twice, the second time with his paint and body guy to inspect the car for rust), and checked the Falcon’s VIN against Ford of Australia’s records to make sure it was a legitimate car. Once the VIN checked out, he negotiated a sale price of $90,000 with the De Romes in October of that year and trailered it back to Sydney.

Built in 1969 and 1970, the Falcon XW remained based on the U.S. Ford Falcon, but had been extensively re-engineered for Australia and New Zealand. Base versions could be had with six-cylinders or 302-cu.in. V-8s, while the high-performance GT version added racing stripes, an offset hood scoop and a 291hp 351 Windsor V-8. Of the more than 105,000 XW Falcons that Ford built, 2,287 were GTs, and it was the GT that enjoyed rising prices among Australian collector car enthusiasts in the pre-recession 2000s.

Two years later, when Sammut attempted to sell the car, it came to light that the Falcon was not an authentic GT. Instead, somebody had taken a non-GT 1970 Falcon XW and replaced its firewall-mounted VIN with one from a 1969 Falcon XW GT (JG33JC37792); a later X-ray examination of the firewall showed that the area around the VIN tag had been cut and welded back together. Who exactly performed the cloning work remains undetermined; the De Romes claimed they did nothing to the car while they owned it save for an engine rebuild and camshaft replacement. According to expert testimony given to the court, a non-GT Falcon XW is worth between AUS $10,000 and AUS $15,000, compared to the current value of a Falcon XW GT, about AUS $65,000 to AUS $70,000.

Sammut, who apparently was unable to sell the Falcon or bought it back when it was revealed to be a fake, held on to the car and sued the De Romes for breach of contract, asking for the difference in value between what he paid for the car and its current value. Adding in the expenses he incurred traveling to see the car and towing it to Sydney as well as interest on the amount for those two years and court costs totaled AUS $108,394.04. The De Romes – who the judge determined likely didn’t know the car was a clone – appealed the ruling, but abruptly withdrew that appeal late last week.

It’s believed the De Romes have less than a month to file civil suit against previous owners of the Falcon for misrepresenting it to them before the statute of limitations runs out.

photo credit: 2012 hemmings.com
text credit: 2012 Dan Strohl via 2012 hemmings.com via Lindsay Wilson 

Monday

FORMULA ONE IN BRAZIL

SEBASTIAN VETTEL - 2012 WORLD CHAMPION

Its over, and what a race! If Formula One was always like the last two races everyone would watch. Brazil is almost always exciting which is why it is the last race on the schedule. To leave everyone on a high note. The added attraction was that it was the deciding race for the 2012 World Championship. That doesn't always happen, but I am sure that most fans like it to hold off until the last race. Vettel and Alonso were the only two that had a chance with Vettel 13 points up on Alonso. Since races in Brazil hardly ever escape rain that was going to be a factor. Both of these drivers are good in the rain.

Starting right in the first lap Vettel got punted, turning him around on the course and dropping him to 22nd. Being the excellent driver that he is he made it through the pack to 6th place. And then disaster...a problem on a tire change delayed him in the pits. Came back out in 17th place. Oh, well, he just had to start over. Through the pack again to 6th place where he stayed until the end of the race. Sixth place was just enough to make him the champion by 3 points. Vettel is the youngest driver to claim three championships let alone three in a row.

Alonso came in second which was just not enough....he needed a first place. Following him was his teammate Massa who has had a terrific last half of the season. Massa cried on the podium, Brazil is his home country and it was a long road to get there. First place went to Jensen Button. After Hamilton got nerffed Button was there to grab the top spot.

Kudos go to Nico Hulkenberg from Force India who led the race from lap 19 to lap 55 when he slipped into Hamilton. They gave him a penalty which I disagree with. He slid into Hamilton in the rain....cars were sliding all over the place. He had to do a pit drive-thru at 60 miles per hour which cost him about 25 seconds. By the end of the race he was back in fifth place. If he had won it would have been a huge accomplishment for both team and driver.

Michael Schumacher drove his last race, going into his second retirement. Looks like quite a few drivers don't have seats for next year. Some drivers are jumping to other teams. Most notable is Hamilton leaving McLaren for Mercedes, Perez leaving Sauber for McLaren and Hulkenberg leaving Force India for Sauber. Right now I'll bet Force India is thinking that they didn't make the right decision by letting Hulkenberg go. I am sure there will be some new drivers next year.

All in all, it was a great year for Formula One. Of course there are some races that just don't cut it, but a great year anyway. As always, I am looking forward to next year.

FELIPE MASSA - 3RD, FERNANDO ALONSO - 2ND, JENSEN BUTTON - 1ST

photo credit: 2012 Sutton Images via 2012 gpupdate.net

Friday

BLOG PROBLEMS

As you can see this blogsite is having a problem with links. Until it is corrected just copy and paste the link in your browser. Hopefully, this will be corrected shortly. Thanks for your continued interest.

ENGLAND ON THE 28TH

1937 ALVIS

CLASSIC & VINTAGE CARS
by Brightwells
Easters Court
Leominster, Herefordshire
United Kingdom


+44 (0) 1568 611122

photo credit: 2012 Brightwells

AUSTRALIA ON THE 26TH

1927 PIERCE ARROW

MELBOURNE SUMMER CLASSIC
by Shannons
321 Warrigal Road
Cheltenham, Victoria
Melbourne, Australia


+61 (0) 13 46 46

photo credit: 2012 Shannons

TEXAS ON THE 24TH

1934 AMERICAN AUSTIN

HOUSTON CLASSIC CAR AUCTION
by Dan Kruse
George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, Texas


1-866-495-8111

photo credit: 2012 Kruse Classics

ENGLAND ON THE 24TH

1970 RENAULT ALPINE

HISTORICS AT BROOKLANDS
by Historics
Brooklands Museum
United Kingdom


+44 (0) 1753 639 170

photo credit: 2012 Historics at Brooklands


Wednesday

REFLECTION OF TEXAS

HAMILTON

All the ingredients were there to make the inaugural United States Grand Prix in Austin one of the most highly attended, most festive and most exciting races of the 2012 Formula One season.

The series had been absent from the United States for five years after struggling to find its place in America despite more than half a century of effort. That it made its return was in no small way helped by the race’s taking place at the first purpose-built circuit in the United States.

A capacity crowd of 117,429 watched a wild and suspenseful battle between the remaining contenders for the drivers’ title, Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, on a track and at a site that delivered all of its promise and more.

From the sporting point of view, Austin delivered in a way that Indianapolis failed, by providing a track built for Formula One cars. The result was a spectacular race of passing and competition, more akin to Nascar than to the processional Formula One racing of the past that could never seduce American fans.

The Circuit of the Americas, as it is named, left very little to chance. Performing the interviews with the drivers on the podium after the race was Mario Andretti, one of only two Americans to win the Formula One drivers’ title.

“We just witnessed an awesome, awesome race right to the end,” said Andretti, who won the title in 1978 to join Phil Hill, the 1961 champion.

photo credit: 2012 Sutton Images via 2012 gpupdate.net
edited text credit: 2012 Brad Spurdeon via 2012 New York Times

Monday

ENGLAND ON THE 22ND

1994 HONDA

THE STEVE TONG COLLECTION
by CJM
CJM Auction Centre
Donlop Way
Scunthorpe
United Kingdom


+44 (0) 7970 126339

photo credit: 2012 bidspotter.co.uk

FORMULA ONE IN THE UNITED STATES

SEBASTIAN VETTEL - 2ND, LEWIS HAMILTON - 1ST, FERNANDO ALONSO - 3RD

Hooray! Back in the USA! Texas, at that. So, many of the new tracks are boring, but this track seems to be very nice. The race was interesting to a jam-packed crowd. In the traditional cowboy hat, Hamilton was very happy to have won today. He was the winner of the last US Formula One race at Indy five years ago. In second was Sebastian Vettel, who is still leading in the Championship points by 13. Alonso finished third and is looking for the Championship fight to continue and end in Brazil next week

Vettel had the pole spot and Alonso was in 9th. Grosjean got a five-spot penalty which moved Alonso to 8th. His teammate, Massa, was in front of him. Ferrari, who is always full of dirty tricks, broke the seal on Massa's transmission causing him to receive a 5 place penalty moving Alonso up to 7th on the grid. Ferrari admitted this and should be penalized, but I doubt that will happen. Massa, to his credit, ended up in 4th place. On to Brazil!

photo credit: 2012 bbc.com

Friday

McLAREN PLUGGED IN

FORMULA E

McLaren has announced that it will supply and build the motors, transmissions and electronics for the 2014 Formula E season. FIA World Championship Formula E features solely electric powered cars, with races taking place in metropolitan centers around the globe. The support of the major motorsport name is likely to significantly boost the new championship's image.


McLaren will partner with Spark Racing Technology (SRT) to design and assemble the electric vehicles (EVs). Together they will produce the 42 cars on order from Formula E Holdings (FEH). In terms of performance, the EVs are comparable to their combustion engine cousins, with expected top speeds in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph). The 2014 season will feature ten teams, each with two drivers, increasing to 12 teams by 2016.

Unlike the popular Formula 1 championship, Formula E events will take place in metropolitan centers around the world, made possible by the zero emissions and super-quiet nature of the EVs. So far, Rio de Janiero has signed up for a spot on the schedule, while cities in the US, Mexico, Monaco and India have expressed interest in the championship. Due to the limited rage of the EVs, drivers will have to change cars twice during the hour-long races, putting an interesting spin on the tried and tested pit stop mechanic.

While you might be familiar with the McLaren brand from its premier Formula 1 team, or from its flashy super cars, the company is also no stranger to eco-friendly work. In December 2011 it became the world's first carbon-neutral Formula 1 team, a significant milestone for the sport.

The fledgling Formula E championship will aim to play a significant role in the development of electric car technology. Martin Whitmarsh, CEO McLaren Group and Team Principle of Vodaphone McLaren Mercedes stated that by working with SRT, they hope to keep both companies “at the forefront of technical innovation and hopefully open up great opportunities for the racing cars of tomorrow”. One of the key goals of the championship is to create a framework for the research and development of EVs, with the competitive nature of the sport creating an impetus for breakthroughs in efficiency and battery life.

While Formula E is likely to provide a boost to both the technology and the image of electric cars, the industry is already experiencing significant growth. A number of manufacturers have released electric cars with home charging or on-board solutions, while Tesla has begun rolling out a gas station-like charger network across the United States, with plans for an expansion into Europe in the near future.

photo credit: 2012 STR
text credit: 2012 Chris Wood via 2012 gizmag.com


ENGLAND ON THE 17TH

1961 TRIUMPH TR4

CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW AUCTION
by Silverstone
N.E.C. Classic Motor Show
Birmingham
United Kingdom


+44 (0) 1926 691 141

photo credit: Silverstone Auctions

NEBRASKA ON THE 17TH

1907 BRUSH

E.A. CARLSON COLLECTION
by Tom Harris
Hamilton County Fairgrounds
Auroroa, Nebraska


1-641-754-4890

photo credit: Tom Harris Auctions

Monday

CALIFORNIA ON THE 16TH

McCORMICK'S EXOTIC CAR AUCTION
by McCormick
244 North Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, California


1-760-320-3290

TEXAS ON THE 16TH

1947 BUICK

DALLAS
by Leake
Market Hall
2200 North Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas


1-800-722-9942

photo credit: Leake Auction Company

CALIFORNIA ON THE 15TH

1958 CORVETTE

ANAHEIM 2012
by Mecum
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, California


1-262-275-5050

photo credit: 2012 mecum.com

ENGLAND ON THE 14TH

1934 MORRIS ISIS

COLLECTOR'S MOTORCARS
by Bonhams
Great Yorkshire Showgrounds
Harrowgate
United Kingdom


+44 (0) 20 7447 7448

photo credit: 2012 bonhams 1793

ENGLAND ON THE 13TH

FARM MACHINERY
by Cheffins
Morleys Farm
Puddock Road
Warboys, Cambs
United Kingdom


+44 (0) 1353 777767

Wednesday

1966 - 1976 RETRO FORD BRONCO


While the Dennis Carpenter reproduction 1940 Ford coupe took center stage at this year’s SEMA show, it wasn’t the only reproduction Ford body to debut last week. Over in the Dynacorn booth, the company best known for its reproduction Mustang and Camaro bodies introduced its new first-generation Bronco reproduction body shell.


While work on the reproduction body shells has been in progress for the last year-plus, and Dynacorn has already developed an extensive line of reproduction Bronco sheetmetal, it wasn’t until late last month that Dynacorn received its first fully assembled reproduction Bronco body. According to James Liapis, who handles the reproduction body shell program for Dynacorn, the company’s reproduction Bronco parts sales have been strong, so releasing a full body was the next logical step.

“Ford initially asked us to do this about three to four years ago, and we’re going through the licensing process with them right now,” Liapis said. “This body we have now is our prototype, and it’s now out with RNA Motorsports in Missouri, which is making sure that everything fits on the body, something we need to do to get it officially licensed.”

Liapis said that Dynacorn, working with Muscle Car GT in Taiwan (the same company stamping the panels for the reproduction 1940 Ford body), developed all new tooling for the 1966-1976 Bronco body, incorporating the best features from the various years. For instance, the removable hardtop roofs will feature the wider braces used on early first-generation Broncos, while the fender aprons will include the notches for power steering systems as used on later first-gen Broncos. According to Liapis, Muscle Car GT will handle all the stamping and assembly work in Taiwan, using slightly thicker sheetmetal (between 16 and 18 gauge) than originally used (18 gauge).


The bodies will include the folding windshield and removable hardtop features seen on the 1966-1968 Broncos, but will not include fenders, doors, or hood. Liapis said that Dynacorn is currently working on the half-cab pickup top as an alternative to the full wagon top. He expects that it will take about a year to finalize all the details and then offer it for sale alongside Dynacorn’s other reproduction body shells. No price has been set yet.

photo credit: 2012 Marc Langsam
text credit: 2012 Daniel Strohl via 2012 hemmings.com

1940 FORD RETRO BODY

Certainly a car that I always loved....couldn't afford them then and can't afford them now. Hemmings did and article last week that '40 Ford lovers should take note of. Here it is:

While Dennis Carpenter’s all-steel reproduction 1940 Ford coupe bodies have been available for a couple of months now, they didn’t receive the official stamp of approval from Ford Motor Company until last week, just in time for the companies to show the bodies off at the annual SEMA trade show.

The second such all-steel reproduction body that Ford has officially licensed, the 1940 Ford coupe project began more than two years ago, when Bob Drake Reproductions of Grants Pass, Oregon, began working with a Taiwanese company, Muscle Car GT, to develop new tooling for every panel and component necessary to assemble an entire body shell. In early 2010, Bob Drake Reproductions claimed that the bodies would be available by that fall, but while the company was able to offer individual reproduction body panels in steel, it never did progress to offering entire steel bodies. The project then transferred in January to Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts, which began the licensing process with Ford, finalized the development of the tooling and stamping process with Muscle Car GT, and then selected Sanford, Florida-based Real Deal Steel to assemble the components into full bodies here in the United States. The first completed body then came together in August.
 
Carpenter, who specializes in locating original Ford factory tooling and pressing it back into service making reproduction Ford parts, said there was little chance of finding the original body tooling for the 1940 Ford coupe. “Those were scrapped many many years ago,” he said. “The earliest tooling we’ve found so far has been from the 1960s.” However, through working with Ford Motor Company, he said they were able to locate some of the original drawings for the 1940 Ford, though they weren’t as helpful as they expected. “We found that back then, the drawings only offered general dimensions; the tool and die maker on the factory floor actually did the final dimensions.”


Joe Whitaker from Real Deal Steel said that the bodies are built to the original Ford blueprints, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t room for improvement in the assembly process, given that Ford originally mass produced the bodies and Real Deal Steel will craft each one by hand. “Basically we’re using the same steel used in modern automotive construction, but because we’re using a high-tension stamping process, which puts a real strong finish in the panel, we’re able to use 19-gauge steel instead of the original 18-gauge; all the subrails and inner bracing remains 16-gauge, just like Henry used,” Whitaker said. “We’re using about 20 to 25 percent more spot welds than originally used. Also, during the assembly process we build the body around fixtures, which allows us to assemble the doors and decklid before we do the final fit of the rear quarters and tailpan. That’s quite an improvement in fit and finish over building the bodies, then hanging the doors and decklid afterward, as Ford originally did.”

photo credit: 2012 Ford Media
text credit: 2012 Daniel Strohl via 2012 hemmings.com

Tuesday

FRANCE ON THE 11TH

AUTOMOBILES SUR LES CHAMPS-ELYSEES
by Artcurial
Garage privé de l’Hôtel Marcel Dassault
59 avenue Montaigne
Paris, France


+33 1 42 99 20 51



AN ARTICAL OF INTEREST

Anybody collecting anything should find this artical of special interest:


text credit: 2012 Jonathan Michaels via 2012 Daily Journal Corporation via 2012 google.com

DELAWARE ON THE 10TH

1930 FORD

ANTIQUE AUTOS
by McGrellis
719 Valley Road
Hockessin, Delaware


1-302-239-7244

photo credit: McGrellis Auctions

FLORIDA ON THE 8TH

AUTOFEST
by Carlisle
Festival Park
Zephyrhills, Florida


1-813-783-2827

Monday

CYPRUS RALLY

Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah was the overall winner

They find the only riverbed on the island

Up the hill

On the edge

photo credit: 2012 Andre Lavadinhio via cyprusrally.com

LONDON TO BRIGHTON


Said to be the oldest motor car event in the world. First run in November 1896, in the rain of course, and run most years since then. It is only a drive of 54 miles, but in these early buggies it must seem like a long way.


They were expecting over 500 cars to make the run. With a couple of stops along the way it must have been great fun. I wonder if anyone kept track of how many were run in the rain. I'll bet there were quite a few.


77 cars failed to finish the run. All cars must be produced before 1905. Boy, we sure love our cars.

photo credit: 2012 msn.com

Sunday

FORMULA ONE IN ABU DHABI


A well deserved splash for Raikkonen as he became the winner today. I have said in several other posts that he would do it soon. Today was the day. Alonso was closing in on him at the end and had to settle for second place. Vettel got lucky with safety car slowdowns and fresh tires to make it to third after starting in pitlane. A very good run. Webber got whacked three times and as the old saying goes, "three times you're out" holds here.....he was. I am happy to see Raikkonen win, he has had a very interesting year. Ten points between Vettel and Alonso with two races to go. I am sure it will go down to the last race. Two races to go, a new one in the United States and Brazil.

photo credit: 2012 gpupdate.net


Saturday

TSUNAMI SURVIVOR

2004 HARLEY-DAVIDSON

From Miyagi Prefecture in Japan to Graham Island in British Columbia, Canada, to Milwaukee, Wis., the motorcycle tossed across the Pacific Ocean by the 2011 Japanese tsunami has landed at the Harley-Davidson Museum.


The 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train owned by earthquake and tsunami survivor Ikuo Yokoyama is now on display at the museum as a memorial to those affected by the March 2011 tsunami. The motorcycle will be preserved in the condition it was in when Canadian beachcomber Peter Mark found it inside a cargo box that washed up on Graham Island in May 2012.

Yokoyama, who lost loved ones in the disaster and still lives in temporary housing, declined an offer by Harley-Davidson to restore and return the motorcycle, asking instead that it be enshrined as a memory of the disaster.

photo and edited text credit: 2012 motorcycle.com