UPDATED US classic motorcycle enthusiasts are gearing up for one of the events of the year: the Barber Vintage Festival, held over 11-13 October 2024 at Barber Motorsports Parkway in Birmingham, Alabama.
The three-day festival is much more than classic motorcycles, although they are the heart of event now in its 19th year.
There’s a fanzone with food and entertainment, an autojumble – what Americans call a ‘swap meet’ – and the museum with more than 900 classic motorcycles on display out of a total collection of more than 1600.
The venue and the event were started by George Barber, a former motor racing driver with an impressive record of 63 wins. He started collecting and restoring classic cars in 1988, then a few years later switched the emphasis to classic motorcycles.
The motorcycle collection started with three Honda vee-fours, then longtime friend Dave Hooper, gave Barber two of his own machines. One was a rare and perfect 1952 Victoria Bergmeister.
Barber Vintage Festival, USA
In 2014, the Guinness World Records recognised Barber as the world’s largest motorcycle collection. More than 368,000 visitors came to the museum and surrounding park last year.
This year’s Barber Vintage Festival has several areas including the ‘Isle of Triumph’ which will also have a bike with prizes from Vahna magazine, Triumph, Danner Boots and more.
This year, former motorcycle racer Kenny Roberts, winner of three consecutive 500cc World Championships, is to be the event’s Grand Marshal.
“We are thrilled to have Kenny Roberts as the Grand Marshal of this year’s Barber Vintage Festival,” said Brian Case, Executive Director of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
“Kenny not only delivered world-class performances on the racetrack during his competition days, but he is directly responsible for improving rider safety, both for his fellow competitors and for those who follow in his wheel tracks for many years to come.”
