1907 Curtiss V8 Motorcycle | Jay Leno's Garage

The Fastest Man on Earth

Premiered Dec 22, 2025

Jay Leno explores one of the most significant pieces of motor­cycle royalty: a hand-built, exact recreation of Glenn Curtiss’ 1907 V8 land speed record bike.

Built by master machinist Dale Stoner, this motor­cycle is a mechanical masterpiece that honors the legendary aviator and engine builder Glenn Curtiss. While the orig­inal bike now hangs in the Smithsonian, Dale has reverse-engineered every detail—from the 4.4-liter engine to the hand-cut double gears—to bring this 136-mph beast back to life.

In this episode, Jay and Dale discuss:

The Powerplant: A 268 cubic inch (4.4L) V8 engine orig­inally designed as a testbed for aircraft use.

The Record: How Glenn Curtiss became the “Fastest Man on Earth” at Ormond Beach in 1907, allegedly reaching 136 mph.

Primitive Tech: The unique ignition system using dry cell batteries (often mistaken for dynamite) and a “scrub brake” that presses directly against the rear tire.

Machinist Skills: Dale’s incredible process of using CNC technology and 3D-printed sand molds to recreate lost technology like the Durabar cylinders and custom gear sets.

Aviation Connection: The history of this engine’s use in the “Junebug,” the aircraft responsible for the first public flight in Amer­ica.

Watch as Jay and Dale fire up this V8 monster and experience the raw power of early 20th-century engineering!

Shop car care and detailing supplies from Jay Leno’s Garage:
https://www.lenosgarage.com/shine

See the video here (29 minute video).

Produced by Jay Leno's Garage

Posted by Dick Shappy December 25, 2025

The Historic 1909 Curtiss V Twin Roadster

November 18, 2025

This 1909 Curtiss V-Twin Roadster is an extremely rare specimen, considered the "Duesen­berg" of early American motor­cycles. A powerful air-cooled engine rated at 8 to 10 horsepower with splash oil lubrication and a dry-cell battery ignition was produced at the G. W. Curtiss Manu­fact­uring Com­pany in Hammondsport, New York. The Audrain Auto Mu­seum reports that this 1909 Curtiss is one of the most well-preserved motor­cycles in the world today and the last of the Curtiss line.

There are only four Curtiss engines known to have survived, five, including the Herc­ules. This one, engine number 3302, went to Dale Stoner in collaboration with the Glenn H. Curtiss Mu­seum in Hammondsport, NY, for a careful and meticulous restoration and documentation. Dale Stoner is not only the premier Curtiss historian and a master machinist, but an engineering pioneer who will one day be regarded in the history books right alongside Glenn. He is currently recreating the beautiful and historic 1907 Curtiss 8-cylinder experimental motor­cycle that set the world land speed record of 137 MPH in exacting detail. It has been rumored that upon completion, this vehicle could be worth between $500,000 and $1 million.

This 1909 Curtiss Roadster sports a powerful 54 cubic inch air-cooled, 6 horsepower, V-twin engine operated by belt drive with splash oil lubrication and dry-cell battery ignition. It features a tool bag; license plate; Persons Manu­fact­uring Com­pany of Wor­cester, Mass­achu­setts, seat; Stewart magnetic type speed­ometer and odometer; an Ingersoll Watch Com­pany Yankee Model Clock; and a Twentieth Century Manu­fact­uring Com­pany of New York City Model 102 headlamp. The preserv­ation of these accessories, along with the rest of this historic motor­cycle, are nothing short of remarkable.

See the video here (3 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy November 18, 2025

The 1911 Pierce Four Motorcycle, Engine No. 1442

November 18, 2025

This 1911 Pierce Four, engine number 1442, is offered with period-correct accessories on a fresh, professional restoration. It is believed to be one of only approximately a dozen Pierce four-cylinder bikes still surviving after more than 100 years, most of which reside in museums. Pierce Fours turning up on the open market, despite being highly sought after, are very rare.

Pierces are now considered a classic, having been included in the AMA Motor­cycle Hall of Fame's Classic Bikes. Due to their high cost and low demand, fewer than 500 Pierce motor­cycles were ever built, and surviving examples are rare. Of the remaining examples, most known bikes are still functioning today.

See the video here (3 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy November 18, 2025

The 2025 Mansfield Rotary Club's Annual Classic British & German Auto Show & Vintage Motorcycle Show Walkthrough

August 23, 2025

Walk Through the 2025 Mansfield Rotary Club's Annual Classic British & German Auto Show & Vintage Motor­cycle Show with Dick Shappy's Classic Cars & Motor­cycles. Hosted Saturday, Aug­ust 23rd, 2025 at the Mansfield Municipal Airport, this annual show was a wonderful way to spend a summer day and contribute to a great organization which supports local community charities. Thanks for having us, Mansfield Rotary Club!

See the video here (5 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy October 31, 2025

The 1918 Pope Model T Twin at the 2025 Mansfield Rotary Club's Annual Vintage Motorcycle Show

August 23, 2025

The Pope Twin was the fastest production motor­cycle in the world at the time and the most sought-after early American motor­cycle of that era. The 1917 and 1918 T models were Pope's best and most powerful. This was the last year of motor­cycle production by the Pope Manu­fact­uring Com­pany in its Westfield, Mass­achu­setts plant and they certainly went out on a high note by producing their most powerful Pope twin ever, the Pope Model T.

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (3 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy October 29, 2025

The 2025 Dick Shappy + New England Region Cadillac & LaSalle Club Vintage Car & Motorcycle Show

September 6, 2025

If you missed the 2025 10th annual private Dick Shappy + New England Region Cadillac & LaSalle Club Vintage Car & Motorcycle Show, here is your chance to sneak a peak behind the curtain.

See the video here (18 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy October 6, 2025

The 2025 Dick Shappy + New England Region Cadillac & LaSalle Club Vintage Car & Motorcycle Show Awards

September 6, 2025

The 10th Annual Private Vintage and Antique Car & Motorcycle Show at the Estate of Dick Shappy in conjunction with the New England Region Cadillac & LaSalle Club was another hit! If you missed it, you can still check out the awards featuring Shaun Read, President of NERCL, and Nicole LeBoeuf

See the video here (13 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy January 28, 2026

The 1914 Indian V-Twin

Join Dick Shappy as he discusses the highlights of his rare original 1914 Indian motorcycle's restoration built with American Pickers' Jersey Jon.

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (3 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy September 2, 2025

The Belltown Antique Car Club 58th Vintage Motorcar Meet

August 3, 2025

The Belltown Antique Car Club held its 58th Vintage Motorcar Meet this summer, Sunday, Aug­ust 3rd, 2025, at the Haddam Neck Fair­grounds in Haddam, Conn­ecticut. It was a beautiful, sunny day filled with even more beautiful automobiles.

Dick Shappy and his team from Dick Shappy Classic Cars brought his rare 1932 Cadillac V-16 Model 452B Imperial Cabriolet "Madame X" with a 5155 C Body by Fleetwood. Fleetwood Metal Body was a renowned luxury automobile coachbuilder founded in 1909 in Fleetwood, Penn­syl­vania, known for high-quality, custom-bodied vehicles for major manu­facturers like Packard, Lincoln, and Duesen­berg. Only a total of 300 V-16 Cadillac cars were built in 1932, making this Imperial Cabriolet "Madame X" a very rare car. It is the only 1932 V-16 with a collapsible rear quarter that is known to exist today. The automobile was orig­inally owned by the Block family from Indianapolis and was housed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Mu­seum for many years before entering the care of Dick Shappy. The engine, sporting number 1400110, is a 452 cubic inch overhead valve V-16 equipped with a Detroit Lubricator carburetor and a three-speed manual gearbox transmission. The brakes are four-wheel, vacuum-assisted, with a braking horsepower of 165 at 3,400 revolutions per minute. The suspension consists of semi-elliptical leaf springs, and overall, the vehicle is in superb condition. It has even been displayed at the prestigious Pebble Beach Con­cours d’Elegance.

The Belltown brass bell trophies have always been a coveted prize, and Dick Shappy was pleased to go home with one for his 1932 Cadillac V-16 Imperial Cabriolet "Madame X."

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (7 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy September 2, 2025

From the Dick Shappy Collection: The 1929 Duesenberg Model J 268 Convertible Coupe

June 4, 2025

A Model J Duesen­berg does not exist with a history quite so traveled or distinctive as the 1929 J-268. The next chapters for J-268 contain shows and awards, the perfect vehicle to adorn any Con­cours d’Elegance’s lawn or to turn heads on the highway. Will you be the one behind the wheel?

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (22 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy January 14, 2026

1917 Locomobile Model 48 Dual Cowl Sportif At The Bay State Antique Auto Club 52nd Show

Endicott Estate Dedham, Massachusetts

July 13, 2025

Join the Dick Shappy Classic Cars & Motor­cycles Team as they walk through the Bay State Antique Auto Club’s 52nd Auto Show at the Endicott Estate in Dedham, Mass­achu­setts, on July 13, 2025.

This is their biggest event of the year. It has grown from a few dozen cars to, at times, over a thousand vehicles, from a few vendors to many. All 18 acres are now lined with row after row of impressive vehicles and merchants selling vintage parts, memorabilia, and more. Rare parts can be found along with unique collector’s items. Members’ sports cars made by Ford, Dodge Brothers, Pierce-Arrow, Cadillac, Packard, Buick, Oldsmobile, LaSalle, Auburn, Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Hudson, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, DeSoto, Rolls-Royce, Studebaker, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Chevelle, Rambler, and Impala. Open to both the young and the old, regardless of whether or not one owns an antique or classic car, the show welcomes families to peruse the vehicles, perhaps inspiring the next generation to take up the mantle of preserving our automotive history.

The show is so large that it offers thirty classes, complete with judging and trophies. It’s one of the largest single-day shows in the entire Northeast. Vehicle owners often stand by their automobiles, happy to explain their entry and point out their special features, and the stories exchanged are often fascinating.

The Dick Shappy Classic Cars & Motor­cycles Team brings its 1917 Loco­mobile, a rare and storied Model 48 dual-cowl Sportif. Its body was made here in Mass­achu­setts, in Watertown, by Farn­ham and Nelson for the owners of the Rexall Drug Com­pany, hence the unique Pacific Coral and Slate Grey paint. This is not the first show this very special vehicle has entered. Among its numerous awards, it boasts the best achievement an antique vehicle can strive for—a Zenith Award from the Antique Automobile Club, which deemed this restoration a 100-point vehicle in 2021. A car’s greatness is judged most notably by its historical significance, originality, mechanical design, and, of course, its beauty. This is an example of a car with everything: provenance back to new, orig­inal custom dual-cowl coachwork, a T-head six-cylinder engine, an extremely rare body, and an outstanding, award-winning restoration. This award represents “The Best Restored Car In America” status, the highest award that can be given.

It’s no surprise that this vehicle was called upon to accept the first-place award from the Bay State Antique Auto Club at their 52nd Auto Show. Visit DSClassics.com to learn about this Loco­mobile and the historical collection of Dick Shappy.

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (22 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy December 5, 2025

The 1910 Merkel Endurance Machine Single

There are few antique motor­cycles more coveted than the Flying Merkel, and fewer still who have gone on an adventure like this one. Learn about the Merkel Motor Com­pany, Dick Shappy's 1910 Merkel Endurance Machine Single, and the notorious first Motor­cycle Cannonball Run.

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (4 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy June 18, 2025

The 1911 Flying Merkel Twin Motorcycle

Dick Shappy, in his time collecting motor­cycles, has acquired fifteen different Merkels. He regards this 1911 Twin as his finest. Pur­chased from Mike Wolfe of American Pickers in 2006, it then underwent a seven-year, meticulous, no-expense-spared orig­inal restoration. Wolfe recently shared that it was one of the first motor­cycles he acquired in his early days as an American Picker that he considered a high-end acquisition with a high resale value as an orig­inal, mostly complete Flying Merkel. As the most complete, correct, and orig­inal Merkel, this was used as a reference to aid in future restorations.

The 1911 boasts a V-Twin engine with a Bosch magneto and an orig­inal engine number. It was manufactured in Pottstown, Penn­syl­vania, while Merkel was going by the name Merkel Light Motor Com­pany. It features a horn, kickstand, luggage rack, and Troxel Manu­fact­uring Com­pany leather toolbox made in Elyria, Ohio. The headlight reads “Mauretania,” and the Old Sol taillight from the Hawthorne Manu­fact­uring Com­pany was made in Bridge­port, Conn­ecticut. The Merkel orange paint dazzles and has graced the lawn of the New­port Con­cours d’Elegance. Will you be the one to show it next?

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (3 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy June 6, 2025

The Original 1919 Stutz Series G Touring

Learn about the development of the Stutz Motor Car Com­pany and the history of a rare surviving orig­inal 1919 Series G Touring from the Dick Shappy Collection.

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (4 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy June 24, 2025

The Vintage 1950 Harley Davidson WL 45 Motorcycle

“You’ve got to take your hat off to the Harley-David­son 45,” stated a Harley- David­son advert­ise­ment. “It was a hero on the battlefields of Europe and the South Pacific; it has broken records on all the nation’s racetracks, and it is providing hundreds of thousands of riders many happy hours of pleasant, economical, trouble-free rides.”

Introduced in 1937, this bike became better known as the “45” for its 45 cubic inch V-twin engine, producing an exhaust note unlike any other machine on the planet. The side-valve, powerful workhorse of an engine would turn out to be one of the longest-running Harley motors, and this one is hooked to a three-speed transmission.

It’s almost identical to the infamous military WLA and WLC Liberators. The WL 45 models continued in post-war production with the venerable 45 CI flathead twin. This very low-mileage example is in completely orig­inal condition, and it runs as well as it looks.

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (3 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy June 25, 2025

The 1929 Duesenberg Model J 268 Convertible Coupe

A Model J Duesenberg does not exist with a history quite so traveled or distinctive as the 1929 J-268. The next chapters for J-268 contain shows and awards, the perfect vehicle to adorn any Concours d’Elegance’s lawn or to turn heads on the highway. Will you be the one behind the wheel?

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (22 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy June 4, 2025

1917 Locomobile Model 48 Dual Cowl Sportif Wins Gold at the First Annual Bay State Motor Festival

June 8, 2025 Cushing Mem­orial Park in Framingham, Mass­achu­setts

The First annual Bay State Motor Festival, held June 8, 2025, in Cushing Mem­orial Park in Framingham, Mass­achu­setts, featured a “Made in Massachusetts” display of automobiles. Many rare, vintage, classic, and late-model vehicles attended the inaugural event.

Receiving a special invitation and taking home the gold in the Made in Mass­achu­setts class was Dick Shappy’s 1917 Loco­mobile Model 48 Dual Cowl Sportif with a body by Farn­ham & Nelson of Watertown, Mass­achu­setts. This storied vehicle, the orig­inal property of the owner of Rexall Drugs, has undergone a Zenith-award-winning restoration. Awarded by the Antique Automobile Club of Amer­ica, the Zenith Award is the highest honor bestowed for outstanding and critically authentic automotive restoration. It recognizes the best of the best in terms of restoration quality, authenticity, and rarity among vehicles shown at AACA National events.

Take a walk with Dick Shappy Classic Cars & Motor­cycles through the Bay State Motor Festival.

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (17 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy June 24, 2025

1911 Emblem Twin Factory Racer

Emblem Manufacturing Company, founded in 1904 as a bicycle manufacturer in New York, went on to also produce the rare Emblem motorcycle. Though most of their bikes were exported outside of the United States, they did well racing in the US led by the famous and talented Lee S. Taylor. As one of the first motorcycle American motorcycle manufacturers, Emblem holds a special place in history.

See the video here (7 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy July 8, 2025

2025 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance with Dick Shappy's 1931 Cadillac V-16 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton

June 1, 2025

Join Dick Shappy on a walk through the 2025 Greenwich Con­cours d'Ele­gance on June 1st, 2025 in Greenwich, Conn­ecticut with his 1931 Cadillac V-16 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton Model 452A, Style 4260 by Fleetwood. The Con­cours features classic Amer­ican and European vintage cars, including Amer­ican muscle cars, very early Amer­ican cars, luxury cars of all years, and rare European vehicles.

Best in Show of the Con­cours d'Ele­gance rightfully went to Tom Maoli's 1932 Duesen­berg Model J, as well as Best in the Pre-War Classics Amer­ican Class. The People's Choice Award went to Teddy Vlock's supercar, the 2017 Pagani Huayra. Highlighting "100 Years of Chrysler," Walter Tompkins brought home Best in Class for his 1957 Chrysler New Yorker, and William Globe won the Pre-War European Classics Best in Class for his 1939 MT TB.

This genuine V-16 sport phaeton was shipped new to the Hollywood, Cali­fornia, dealership of Don Lee on July 19, 1930. The first owner is listed as Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who had ownership for five years before transferring ownership to G. Thatcher Darwin, who enjoyed ownership of this car as his everyday automobile. He also chauffeured his mother and aunt on a memorable trip up Mount Wilson for a sightseeing journey. The coachwork was designed by Fleetwood Metal Body Co. in Fleetwood, PA, known for crafting high-quality, custom-built luxury bodies for many classic vehicles.

The car was Pur­chased just after World War II by Colonel George Van Deusen, commanding officer of the Air Force base in Tucson, Arizona, who enjoyed ownership until 1968, when it was sold to V-16 car enthusiast Paul Schinner in 1968 where it was dubbed "a forty-year project" of restoration. The restoration was finally completed in No­vem­ber 2024 with complete new leather upholstery, rugs, top irons, oak bows, and a new fabric top. Many correct parts were located and fitted to the completed project car, which included engine pans, side-mount wheel covers, wind wings, trumpet horns, trunk rack, correct bumper hardware, and a completely rebuilt and restored V-16 engine.

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (13 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy June 20, 2025

1930 Cadillac All Weather Phaeton V-16 by Fleetwood Model 4380 Convertible Sedan

Delve into the history of the Cadillac and Dick Shappy's rare 1930 All Weather Phaeton V-16, owned by a prestigious 1930s nightclub owner.

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

See the video here (6 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy June 17, 2025

The 1909 Locomobile Model 30 Touring Completes the Audrain Newport to Bristol Veteran Car Tour 2025

Dick Shappy does the Audrain Automobile Museum's Newport to Bristol Veteran Car Tour of 2025 with his rare antique 1909 Locomobile Model 30 Touring.

See more photos and read more about the provenance of this vehicle here.

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy April 20, 2025

The Antique Motorcycle Club Swap Meet With Dale Stoner, Dick Shappy, and Nicole LeBoeuf

Oley, Pennsylvania, April 28, 2025

Nicole LeBoeuf walks you through some of the antique motor­cycles brought to the 2025 Antique Motor­cycle Club of Amer­ica Oley, Penn­syl­vania Swap Meet, chats with Dick Shappy about the new 1913 and 1915 Indian projects he's picked up along with a 1920 Excel­sior; and Dale Stoner shows off his 1907 Curtiss and its historical impact.

See the video here (14 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy April 28, 2025

Antique Motorcycle Club of America Oley, PA 2025 Swap Meet

Dick Shappy explores the extensive AMCA (Antique Motor­cycle Club of Amer­ica) 2025 Perkiomen Chapter National Meet in Oley, Penn­syl­vania with his team, stumbling across parts for 1910 Indians and a 1920 Excel­sior motor­cycle, meeting with friends, and viewing the many antique and unique motor­cycles that attend this annual event.



See the video here (12 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy April 20, 2025

The Locomobile Automobile Company and its Rare Antique 1917 Model 48 Dual Cowl Sportif Victoria

Learn about the history of the American Locomobile Automobile Company, their innovations and contributions to the development of the automobile as we know it today, and a very special vehicle now available from the Dick Shappy Collection.

See the video here (12 minute video).

Posted by Dick Shappy April 20, 2025

1905 Cameron 4-Cylinder at Audrain Automobile Museum's Air-Cooled: Keep It Simple Exhibit

March 22nd through July 13th, 2025

Dick Shappy's 1905 Cameron Automobile Company's Four-Cylinder Antique Vehicle is on display for your viewing pleasure at Audrain Automobile Mu­seum of New­port, Rhode Island from March 22nd through July 13th, 2025 featured in their Air-Cooled: Keep it Simple Exhibition.

Everett S. Cameron founded the Cameron Automobile Company in 1899 in Mass­achu­setts, producing vehicles from 1903 to 1914 and sporadically between 1916 and 1920. His first cars were steam-powered, but once funding was acquired, he began producing internal combustion, air-cooled vehicles and went on to produce trucks, tractors, and even boats in addition to cars. The Cameron set industry standards with their innovation, including left-side steering wheels, and front- mounted, air-cooled engines.

See full article here.

See the video here (3 minute video).

Produced by Nicole LeBoeuf

Posted by Dick Shappy April 4, 2025

12th Annual New England Regional Cadillac Lasalle Club Invitational Car Show

September 7, 2024

Hosted by Dick Shappy

We had more automobiles and motorcycles this year than ever before, a great turnout, and a perfect day. Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at a few of the day's happenings and stay tuned for part two, including award winners. Look out for your 2025 invitations! Don't forget to check your Cadillac Lasalle Club Newsletter for more information or

Click here to subscribe to the Dick Shappy Vintage Autos newsletter.

Posted by Dick Shappy April 4, 2025

Behind The Scenes: Dick Shappy's 9th Annual Private Vintage Car & Motorcycle Show with NERCLC

September 7, 2024

Hosted by Dick Shappy

Didn't get an invite to last year's private ninth annual vintage car and motor­cycle show with the New Eng­land Regional Cadillac & LaSalle Club and their 12th annual invitational car show? Here's a glimpse behind the curtain at the estate of Dick Shappy, complete with a motor­cycle showroom, four-car workshop, motor­cycle shop, and a lawn decorated with New England's classics.

For more information:

Click here to subscribe to the Dick Shappy Vintage Autos newsletter.

Posted by Dick Shappy August 6, 2025

New England Region Cadillac LaSalle Club (NERCLC) Show

At the Residence of Dick Shappy August 20, 2023

Since mid May this year, it seems to have rained every weekend hindering all scheduled outdoor activities. Well, the rain gods were good to us this past Sunday (Aug­ust 20th) as the temperature was a low humid-free eighty degrees with a mild breeze here on Narragansett Bay. This was a great day and, based on the feedback that I am receiving, a good time was had by all. Cars and people attended from as far away as Vermont to the north and New York and Penn­syl­vania to the south. The videographer company "Left Of Creative" from Los Angeles was in town filming a reality TV show and was available to record this years show.

See full article and photos here.

See the video here (15 minute video).

Posted by Dick Shappy September 12, 2023

Audrain Motorsport Veteran Car Tour April 30, 2023

Sixteen early brass era cars assembled at the La Forge casino restaurant on Belview Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island to participate in a 26 mile trip to The Aquidneck Club in Bristol for lunch. Our entry, the 1903 De Dion-Bouton completed the trip in cold windy conditions to Bristol without any mishaps.

This same car is featured in the 2nd annual Audrain Motorsport Newport-Bristol-Newport Veteran Car Tour on April 30, 2023. All eleven 100 year old cars survived the wind and rain without a hitch. See the 2023 tour here (26 minute video).

Posted by Dick Shappy May 1, 2023

New England Region Cadillac LaSalle Club (NERCLC) Show 2022

For the past 12 years, I have been hosting the New England Region Cadillac LaSalle Club (NERCLC) show at my residence. In the eighties and nineties this show was held at the Portsmouth Abbey in Portsmouth, RI but, since the grounds were needed for an addition to the abbey school, the show has been held on my waterfront back lawn in Warwick Neck, Rhode Island.

On Sunday, August 7th, approximately sixty Cadillacs and twelve other makes and a half dozen motorcycles assembled on my back lawn to display the vehicles and to enjoy the sounds of The Teledyne Band with special guest vocalist, Gianpaolo DiGrazia. Some potential attendees may have been put off by the ninety plus degree temperature but those who attended enjoyed the day.

Sixteen trophies were awarded. Frank Nickedemus from New York won Best of Show with his gorgeously restored 1959 Cadillac. I hope you enjoy this short video and please stay in touch and plan on attending our show next year.

Posted by Dick Shappy October 13, 2022

1917 Locomobile 48 Sportif Victoria

In 1997, John McAlpin from upstate New York took on an enormous restoration project that would take approximately twenty two years and hundreds of thousands of dollars to complete. Enjoy this video with John as he is interviewed in Newal, Minnesota at the 2021 Antique Automobile Club of America Zenith Awards show where his efforts earned his 1917 Locomobile Model 48 Dual Cowl Sportif Body By Farnham & Nelson the prestigious Zenith Award. "The Best Restored Automobile In America".

This car also won Best in Show at the Klingberg Motor Series show in New Britain, Connecticut on June 18, 2022.

Posted by Two Guys and a Ride April 6, 2022

See the full article about the award.

1917 Locomobile Model 48 Dual Cowl Sportif Body By Farnham & Nelson Won Best in Show

Grand Marshal Wayne Carini presents the "Best in Show" award to Dick Shapy at the Klingberg Motor Series show in New Britain, Connecticut on June 18th. This show attracts the finest collector cars in the region.with 375 cars participating in this year's event.

See the full article about the award.

1930 Cadillac Wins Best in Class At Concours d'Elegance

The 1930 Cadillac V-16 Model 4235 Convertible Coupe won Best in Class for Pre-War American cars at the 2022 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance which was held on June 4th and 5th at Greenwich, Connecticut. A seven year restoration was recently completed on Dick Shappy's 1930 Cadillac V-16 Model 4235 Convertible Coupe. The car was finished in actual factory colors which were taken from the original build sheet for this car. Only 94 of these cars were produced and only a handful exist today.

After close inspection by the expert judges, this car was awarded the Best in Class trophy over the many cars in the class. It is an honor to receive this prestigious award at this great show with such high end restorations.

Posted by Dick Shappy June 6, 2022. Used with permission.

NOTE: Subsequent research determined that this car is a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Model 4235 Convertible Coupe. It is not a 1931 model.

See the full article about the award.

First Annual Newport To Bristol Antique Car Tour

The annual London to Brighton, England car tour was first run in November of 1896 and it has continued to the present day. Noted car historian Donald Osborne, who is associated with the Audrain Auto Museum in Newport, Rhode Island, came up with the idea to present a similar tour here in the United States. On March 27, 2022, approximately thirty cars lined up at the Ochre Court Mansion on Bellevue Avenue in Newport to participate in the First Annual Newport to Bristol, Rhode Island Tour.

The event was very well received with viewers cheering us along the 40 mile route. My 1909 Pierce Arrow UU 36 completed the tour flawlessly. This is destined to become an important annual event.

Posted by Dick Shappy May 14, 2022

On The Road (OTR) Sizzle

A short clip that brings you into the everyday world of Dick Shappy with Tara Haywood as they venture out into the vintage car and motorcycle world and buy, sell, trade, and play with the "big boy" toys.

Posted by Tara Haywood August 19, 2021

Shappy Motorcycles, Cruisin' New England

Many car collectors are familiar with what is involved in the restoration of vintage automobiles, and the lengths that a restorer goes through to find that certain part to finish a years long restoration. Well, the same applies to vintage motorcycle restoration and collecting. This video shows how similar a vintage motorcycle swap meet is to a vintage auto swap meet and it also shares the joy of finding that "impossible" one of a kind rare piece that is needed to complete a restoration.

Posted by Paul Mennett, "Cruisin' New England"- Season 8, Episode 6 June 1, 2017

Pierce Arrow, Cruisin' New England

In 2013, The Pierce Arrow Society had its annual show in Warwick, Rhode Island. Naturally, being a resident of Warwick RI and a Pierce Arrow collector, I was super happy to show four vehicles and meet and greet other Pierce Arrow enthusiasts from all over the country. Check out some of the great cars and other Pierce items that were displayed in Warwick for three days in 2013.

Posted by Paul Mennett, "Cruisin' New England"- Season 8, Episode 2 June 1, 2017

Cadillac LaSalle, Cruisin' New England

The Cadillac LaSalle Club holds its national meet in a different city in the United States each year and, in 2014, the city of Boston hosted the meet. Check out some of the beautiful Cadillacs that attended along with my entry which was a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Model 4380 All Weather Phaeton.

Posted by Paul Mennett, "Cruisin' New England"- Season 7, Episode 3 May 31, 2017

Dick Shappy," King of the Rhode"

Kelly Garner, production manager of a Los Angeles based film production company, filmed the activities of Dick Shappy and his assistant, Ashley, as they scoured the countryside in search of rare cars and parts for cars that were being restored in Rhode Island. This video takes you from Rhode Island to northern Maine to Bakersfield, California. You will get insight into the inner workings of what was happening at Dick Shappy Vintage Auto Sales in the Spring of 2012.

Dick Shappy, "Classic Car Rock Star"

Dick Shappy has been an avid collector and restorer of classic cars and motorcycles for over 40 years.

Get a brief glimpse of his collection including his racing a rare 1934 Duesenberg J-505 Convertible Sedan and winning best of show in one of many regional and national vintage auto awards Dick's restorations have won over the years.

"Duesenberg Exhibition Of Speed"

(Short Snippet)

Chris Clyne, Dick Shappy, and other Duesenberg owners from across the United States brought 53 vintage Duesenbergs to the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg meet held in Auburn, Indiana on September 3, 2010. This historic event was the largest gathering of Duesenberg cars ever. During the three day event, 43 of these great cars drove over 50 miles, under police escort, to the Kendallville Municipal Airport to stage the "Duesenberg Exhibition Of Speed" drag races. Greg McDermott is at the wheel with Dick Shappy in Dick's 1934 J-505 Convertible Duesenberg sedan.

"Duesenberg Exhibition Of Speed"

(Full Version)

Full version (42 minutes) of the "Duesenberg Exhibition Of Speed" drag races held at the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg meet in Auburn, Indiana on September 3-5, 2010.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club was founded in 1952 to promote the restoration and preservation of original ACD automobiles.

Racing Duesenberg J-505

Racing Dick Shappy's J-505 Duesenberg at the Duesenberg Thunder Run, Goshen, Indiana.

Dick Shappy in right front passenger seat, Greg McDermott driving, and Tom Laferriere in the back seat filming. They won by a mile!

Posted by Tom Laferriere October 1, 2015

Warwick collector's Flying Merkel: 100 years old, and still ticking

Providence Journal video by Steve Szydlowski, May 2, 2011

Richard Shappy, of Warwick, a collector of vintage cars and motorcycles, talks about the 1911 Flying Merkel motorcycles he owns. Sean Brayton, of Richmond, tells the story of riding in the first Motorcycle Cannonball Run, from Kitty Hawk, N.C., to Santa Monica, Calif.

"We were test riding this 1911 Merkel Single in preparation for the "Race Of Gentleman" on the beach in New Jersey which was held one week after this video was taken."

Leno and Shappy discover two dusty Duesenbergs

By Angelo Van Bogart

Every automobile enthusiast dreams of finding a rare or desirable car forgotten in a remote barn, scooping it up for a paltry sum, dusting off 50 years of neglect, and having a great story to tell at club meets and car shows.

For collectors around the world, the Duesenberg is the ultimate American car, and to locate one of these ultra-rare, powerful, and justifiably desirable cars hidden in a building is the ultimate find.

For the full article, click here.

Robi On The Road

Dick Shappy being interviewed at home with his just completed 1933 V-16 convertible coupe by David Robichaud from UPN 38 "Robi on the Road". The segment was aired Tuesday July 5th, 2005 at 7:00 AM also with a live portion from the Shappy garage showing the many restoration projects now in progress.

1912 Henderson 4 First Run

By Dick Shappy

My 1912 Henderson 4-cylinder bike is shown in its first run since the engine was reassembled by Mark Hill of 4th Coast Fours in Waddington, New York. The people seen in the clip are Mark Hill, Evan Kunes, Vernon Akers (beard), and John Dumas (wheel chair). The bike was being prepared for its first test drive. It ran flawlessly 150 miles that day. As of today, September 5th, Mark's crew has put another 500 miles on it.

The mechanics who performed the work under the direction of Mark Hill are Tanner Whitton, Mike Sockler and Evan Kunes.

See Motorcycle Cannonball - 2016 here.