American Motor Museum ^Featured

The unique collection of American motorcycles, privatly owned by Max and Ans Middelbosch, is opend for the public in an also unique building by April 30 2004. Located in the beautiful Sallandse Raalte the collection has motorcycles from early 1900 till late 80's, andholds realy beautiful and original bikes.

Origin of the museum - The Very First

At the age of 25, Max Middelbosch and his wife Ans bought his first Harley-Davidson an Electra because of the international character and style of the motorcycle. And Harley riders wore tough clothes that fit Max better than such a tight eel suit. Together with Ans he drove all over Europe far beyond the iron curtain. And a passion was born.
After Max became involved in the antiques trade and before that came all over the world, the collection started to grow steadily. Soon the basement below the house became too tight and visitors from all over the world came to view the collection. That is why in 1988 it was decided to house the collection in a space next to the company "De Drakentoren" in Zwolle. The collection currently consists of +/- 140 American motorcycles, the majority of which are Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles. In addition, Ace Mabeco Henderson Excelsior Reading Standard Thor Rikuo and Super X are represented.

Origin of the museum

The collection is privately owned by the Middelbosch family and was located until the beginning of January 2003 at Oude Almeloseweg 2-4 in Zwolle. From the spring of 2004, the museum opened its doors in Raalte. The museum offers an overview of American motorcycles from the early 1900s to the 1980s. The motorcycle that is still being produced and of which the most have been produced is the Harley-Davidson. This motorcycle is therefore best represented in the museum, including the 1911 Indian that drove 10-year-old Willy Wright from the east coast to the west coast of America and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. .

Extensive Collection

Furthermore, the motorcycles with which the Canadians and Americans liberated Europe (the so-called "Liberators") are included in the collection. And the prototype Harley that was designed before the war in Africa but was never put into production (because the Jeep came on the market) is also in the museum.
Racers with which the Dutch have achieved great victories, motorcycles from the collection of the exiled Shah of Persia and models specifically aimed at the European market, they can all be found in the museum. Also a golf cart and lawn mower of Harley-Davidson carousel versions of motorcycles and many other items on the theme such as jukeboxes and clothing are not missing.