From the Dick Shappy Collection: 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 Bosh magneto and an original engine number. It was manufactured in Pottstown, Pennsylvania while Merkel was going by the name the Merkel Light Motor Company. It features a horn, kickstand, luggage rack, and Troxel Manufacturing Company leather tool box made in Elyria, Ohio. The headlight reads "Mauretania" and the Old Sol tail light 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? Visit DSClassics.com for more.