Rare, one-of-a-kind motorcycle a must-see at the Classic Car Museum
NORWICH – Featured as part of the Northeast Classic Car Museum’s “Wild Things & Wild Rides” exhibit, the 1930 Henderson Model KJ motorcycle that visitors first see as they enter the museum is the perfect introduction.
Custom-built by legendary designer O. Ray Courtney between 1934 and 1936, the priceless classic represents one of the earliest examples of the art deco style and the application of its stylistic principles to a motorcycle of any kind, according to museum officials.
The rare and historical Courtney-designed Henderson was loaned to the Classic Car Museum in mid-May by Frank Westfall, owner of the Syracuse-based Middle Earth Leather Works. A self-described “motorcycle nut,” Westfall said he bought the classic vehicle from a friend and fellow collector in July of 2001. And while the priceless Henderson required a complete renovation, Westfall said purchasing the motorcycle was an extremely easy decision.
“I fell in love and I saw a vision for it,” he added. “I’m a Henderson guy and [Courtney] was so far ahead for his time.”
Courtney made and designed the cycle with himself in mind, according to Westfall. Due to the fact that he was a shorter gentleman, the long-time collector said he’s had to make some changes – as far as posture is concerned – when riding the Henderson.
“You either adjust to the bike or you don’t ride it, it’s that simple,” he added. “It’s wild, that’s the bottom line.”
The unique vehicle – which must have seemed almost science fiction in its time – features front and rear suspension, as well as hydraulic brakes, unheard of at the time on a motorcycle and a testament to Courtney’s ingenuity and vision, stated Westfall. He added that – for him – it’s all about the passion of a true collector.
“It’s pure. Some people choose the stock market, some people real estate,” said Westfall, who added he hoped the motorcycle will help draw attention to the museum and its current exhibit. “It’s not about the money, it’s all about the piece.”
The Courtney-designed, 1930 Henderson will be on display at the Northeast Classic Car Museum, 24 Rexford St., through the late fall or early spring of 2012. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week and admission is $9 for adults, $4 for children ages six to eighteen and free for children five and under. For more information call 334-2886 or visit www.classiccarmuseum.org.
Custom-built by legendary designer O. Ray Courtney between 1934 and 1936, the priceless classic represents one of the earliest examples of the art deco style and the application of its stylistic principles to a motorcycle of any kind, according to museum officials.
The rare and historical Courtney-designed Henderson was loaned to the Classic Car Museum in mid-May by Frank Westfall, owner of the Syracuse-based Middle Earth Leather Works. A self-described “motorcycle nut,” Westfall said he bought the classic vehicle from a friend and fellow collector in July of 2001. And while the priceless Henderson required a complete renovation, Westfall said purchasing the motorcycle was an extremely easy decision.
“I fell in love and I saw a vision for it,” he added. “I’m a Henderson guy and [Courtney] was so far ahead for his time.”
Courtney made and designed the cycle with himself in mind, according to Westfall. Due to the fact that he was a shorter gentleman, the long-time collector said he’s had to make some changes – as far as posture is concerned – when riding the Henderson.
“You either adjust to the bike or you don’t ride it, it’s that simple,” he added. “It’s wild, that’s the bottom line.”
The unique vehicle – which must have seemed almost science fiction in its time – features front and rear suspension, as well as hydraulic brakes, unheard of at the time on a motorcycle and a testament to Courtney’s ingenuity and vision, stated Westfall. He added that – for him – it’s all about the passion of a true collector.
“It’s pure. Some people choose the stock market, some people real estate,” said Westfall, who added he hoped the motorcycle will help draw attention to the museum and its current exhibit. “It’s not about the money, it’s all about the piece.”
The Courtney-designed, 1930 Henderson will be on display at the Northeast Classic Car Museum, 24 Rexford St., through the late fall or early spring of 2012. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week and admission is $9 for adults, $4 for children ages six to eighteen and free for children five and under. For more information call 334-2886 or visit www.classiccarmuseum.org.
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