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Monday May 13, 2024

Dear automotive enthusiasts, restorers, collectors, and investors,

On Wednesday, April 23rd, two of my guys, Colby, John, and I, embarked on a journey to the AMCA Perkiomen Chapter National Meet, an annual event, held in Oley, Pennsylvania. We arrived around noon, after a five hour drive from Providence, and promptly commenced our search for the treasures that this swap meet is renowned for. I have been attending this meet for over twenty years now, and I must say, this year’s outing surpassed all others in every aspect. The weather was perfect, unlike last year’s rain-soaked event, and it seemed as though there were far more exceptional finds this year than ever before. Perhaps it’s indicative of the times, as people are finally parting with items they have been holding onto for years, and transforming them into cash. My truck and crew cab were filled to the brim with vintage motorcycle engines, frames, elusive parts and memorabilia. I will share photos of some of my discoveries below.

We returned Friday night as I had to attend The Bonham’s Auction Saturday morning, where four of my vintage cars were up for sale. Unfortunately, the auction turned out to be a disappointment, marking the low point of my eventful week. Four cars, four no-sales. Enough said about that…

The next day proved to be much more enjoyable, as The Audrain Museum of Newport hosted its annual Newport to Bristol Veteran Car Tour. Waking up at 5:00 AM, to make the drive to Newport, to join the pre-tour breakfast and briefing at La Forge (Tennis Hall of Fame) Restaurant was quite a task. Approximately twenty-five of us completed the fifty-two-mile round trip from Newport to Bristol. See photos below.

It was a relief to have a few hours off on Monday to unwind. I am still in the process of unpacking the load from Oley and sorting everything… This is my life!

This week’s feature is a 1936 Harley Davidson EL Knucklehead.

We invite you to visit our showrooms in Providence and Warwick, Rhode Island, where we proudly display over fifty cars and fifty vintage motorcycles. Visits are by appointment only.

Best Regards,

Dick Shappy

Dick Shappy poses with Kanjana Kankhuntod, also known as AA. AA is an extraordinary woman and an inspiration to all. She achieved a flawless performance in the 2021 Motorcycle Cannonball, where she attained a perfect score after traveling 3700 miles in 16 days. AA is presently employed and is a main attraction at Dennis Bolduc's Indians of Springfield (Massachusetts).

Fleetwood, PA, is the town adjacent to Oley, and we must pass through it, coming within two hundred feet of what remains of the Fleetwood Body Company. The most exquisite automobile bodies ever crafted were manufactured here from 1909 to 1931. Now, only one building stands as a testament to that legacy.

All makes and models of early motorcycles are showcased at this gathering and are available for purchase.

Dick Shappy admires Mike Terry’s

all-original 1918 Reading Standard on the first day of the meet.

Pat Murphy was cruising around the field

with his early Harley Twin.

Frank Catena from New Jersey proudly stands next to his early Harley.

Richard Kosydar, from New Jersey, was delighted to finally take possession of his newly restored Indian Ace. Engine work by Pat Murphy. Paint work and assembly of the rest by Mark Hill.

I was happy to purchase the early

Excelsior gas tank seen here at

Doug Strange’s table.

Two early Reading Standard motorcycles were offered for sale at Mike Terry’s spot.

An exceptionally rare early original Reading Standard with a sidecar.

Early Reading Standard Twin displaying “engine turned” detail on the cases.

Dale Stoner, master machinist and Curtiss expert, proudly displays his Curtiss8-cylinder recreation. There aren't many today capable of creating such a masterpiece. Glen Curtiss would surely be looking down at him, smiling.

Bikes are lined up for the show on Friday morning. Enthusiasts and casual observers alike are sure to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship and the variety of styles showcased. An exciting opportunity to explore the iconic world of motorcycles.

I thought about it all Thursday night, and by Friday, I was able to strike a deal for the purchase of the 1918 Reading Standard Twin with Mike Terry. John and Colby securely fastened it on the back of my truck, all set for the journey home.

Audrain Veteran Car Tour 2024

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Presented by Bonham’s

NEWPORT - BRISTOL - NEWPORT

Cars lined up at La Forge Restaurant on Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island, ready to begin the tour to Bristol.

Aquidneck Club

1909 Pierce UU36

Dick Shappy Collection

1904 Oldsmobile Curved-Dash Runabout

Nick Schorsch Collection

1903 Winton Tonneau Tourer

Nick Schorsch Collection

Ben Taradash and Donald Osborne.

Dick Shappy sitting in his 1909 Pierce.

Ben Taradash and Sonya Scott.

Audrain Automobile Museum

Afternoon Tea at the Audrain Automobile Museum.

This Week’s Feature

1936 Harley Davidson EL Knucklehead

This 1936 EL Knucklehead was restored by master craftsmen Ken Presson for George Pardos, and now resides in the Dick Shappy Collection in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Click here for pricing, additional information, and our full gallery of photographs for this week’s feature

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