Ultimate Collector Motorcycles | Charlotte and Peter Fiell

From the 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller to the 2020 Aston Martin AMB 001, this book lavishly explores 100 of the most desirable motorcycles to have ever sped thrillingly around a circuit or along an open road. From pioneering record-breakers, luxury tourers, and legendary roadracers to GP-winning machines, iconic superbikes, and exotic customs, this book celebrates motorcycle design and engineering at its highest level. Many examples are from acclaimed private collections and very rarely seen. Others are the all-out stars of renowned motorcycle museums—such as the 1938 Brough Superior “Golden Dream” or the 1957 MV Agusta 500 4C, which took John Surtees to World Championship glory. Alongside some early survivors in astonishingly original condition is a stable of fabled racers—the actual machines that were competed on by the likes of Dario Ambrosini, Tarquinio Provini, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Barry Sheene, and Kenny Roberts.The fascinating stories behind these fabulous motorbikes are expertly recounted in detail, alongside stunning imagery specially taken for the book by the world’s leading motorcycle photographers. 

Also included are rare archival gems, from early posters to remarkable action shots. In addition, there is a foreword by legendary petrolhead Jay Leno, and interviews with George Barber, founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum; Sammy Miller, championship-winning racer and founder of the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum; Ben Walker, Department Director of Motorcycles at Bonhams; Paul d’Orléans, founder of The Vintagent; and Gordon McCall, cofounder of The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, the world-renowned motorcycle concours event held in Carmel, California.

About the Authors 

Charlotte and Peter Fiell are well-known design authors having written over 70 books on the history, theory, and criticism of design. The Fiells have lectured widely, guest taught courses, curated exhibitions, and consulted manufacturing companies, museums, salerooms, and major private collectors around the world. Together, they have written numerous TASCHEN books, including 1000 Chairs, Design of the 20th Century, Industrial Design A–Z, 1000 Lights, Scandinavian Design, and, most recently, the double-volume Ultimate Collector Cars, Ultimate Collector Motorcycles and Ultimate Collector Watches.