The rarest motorcycle ever: why the 1916 Traub still wears the crown

Many historians and curators consider the 1916 Traub—an enigmatic, one-of-a-kind American V‑twin discovered bricked up in a Chicago wall in 1967—to be the rarest motorcycle ever. While “rarest” can be debated because several one-off prototypes exist, the Traub’s singular status, mysterious origins, and fully functional condition have made it the enduring benchmark for rarity. Here’s how the Traub earned that reputation, how experts define “rarest,” and which other machines contend for the title.

Why the Traub dominates the rarity debate

The Traub stands apart because only one example is known to exist, it’s not a factory prototype from a major manufacturer, and it is operational—regularly started and occasionally ridden—more than a century after it was built. That combination of one-of-one scarcity, craftsmanship, and survivability is what pushes it to the top of most lists.

Discovery and enduring mystery

The Traub surfaced in 1967 when it was found behind a brick wall in a Chicago building. Research has linked the machine to Chicago machinist Gottlieb Richard Traub, and its build date is commonly cited as circa 1916, though a period letter indicates he was constructing advanced motorcycles even earlier. Beyond that, documentation is sparse. No production records, advertising, or clear lineage have been found—fueling the bike’s legend as the “world’s rarest motorcycle.”

Engineering that doesn’t fit the era

Mechanically, the Traub is notable for precision and innovation unusual for mid-1910s garage-built machines. Its hand-crafted V‑twin displaces roughly 78 cubic inches (about 1,280 cc), with numerous bespoke components—engine cases, transmission parts, and controls—machined specifically for this motorcycle. It also features period-advanced details such as a multi-speed gearbox and meticulous fit-and-finish more typical of later factory production.

How experts define “rarest” in motorcycles

“Rarest” isn’t just about low production numbers. Museums, auction specialists, and historians weigh several factors when assessing rarity. The following list outlines the most commonly used criteria.

• Number built vs. number surviving: A machine built in small numbers can be common if many survive, while a one-of-one with a single survivor is the extreme of rarity.
• Provenance and documentation: A clear, traceable history can elevate significance; paradoxically, the Traub’s mystery adds to its cultural impact.
• Originality and completeness: Unrestored or correctly restored examples with original components are rarer than composite or heavily modified survivors.
• Operational status: A running, rideable example is significantly rarer than a static artifact.
• Historical and technical significance: Innovations, racing achievements, or landmark firsts enhance rarity in a curatorial sense.

By these measures, the Traub’s one-off build, intact originality, running condition, and unresolved backstory combine to produce an exceptionally rare—and culturally resonant—artifact.

Other motorcycles often cited as contenders

Several motorcycles could plausibly claim “rarest” under narrower definitions, especially factory prototypes or record machines where only a single original exists. Here are notable examples frequently referenced by scholars and curators.

1. 1907 Curtiss V‑8: Built by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss to set a land-speed record (136.36 mph). The original machine is in the Smithsonian’s collection; museums display faithful replicas due to its historical significance.
2. 1934 BMW R7 prototype: A single, Art Deco–styled prototype rediscovered and restored by BMW Classic in the 2000s; a one-off that showcases advanced engineering and design language years ahead of production models.
3. 1949 AJS E95 “Porcupine”: Only four factory racers were built; as few as two original-spec examples survive, making it one of the rarest postwar Grand Prix machines.
4. Vincent Black Lightning (1950–1952): Approximately 33 built, with a handful in original, documented condition—exceptionally rare among production superbikes.
5. Brough Superior SS100 specials (1920s–30s): Individually specified and low-volume, with unique factory racers like “Old Bill” effectively one-of-one.
6. 1894–1897 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller: The first series-production motorcycle; only a small number survive worldwide, highly prized for pioneering status.

Each of these machines is extraordinarily scarce by production or survival numbers, and some are unique. Yet the Traub’s combination of single-example survival, homegrown engineering, and operability keeps it at the center of the “rarest ever” conversation.

Where to see it today

The Traub is on display at the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. The museum—which maintains an emphasis on “The Museum That Runs”—has kept the Traub in running condition and has periodically demonstrated it. Its continued operation more than a century after construction is a key part of its mystique.

Debates and caveats

There are legitimate counterarguments. If one defines “rarest” strictly as “only one exists,” several factory prototypes and bespoke customs qualify alongside the Traub. If one prioritizes historical impact, the Curtiss V‑8 or the BMW R7 can rival or exceed the Traub in significance. But among publicly accessible, non-factory, hand-built motorcycles with a single known example that still runs, the Traub remains unmatched.

Bottom line

In the world of motorcycling heritage, the word “rarest” is inherently subjective. Even so, the 1916 Traub—unique, mysterious, and alive—continues to be widely regarded as the rarest motorcycle ever.

Summary

Most experts and museums cite the 1916 Traub as the rarest motorcycle ever: a one-of-one, exquisitely engineered V‑twin discovered in Chicago in 1967 and now kept running at the Wheels Through Time Museum. While other one-off prototypes and record machines (such as the 1907 Curtiss V‑8 and 1934 BMW R7) also contend for the title under different definitions of rarity, the Traub’s singular survival, operability, and enigmatic provenance keep it at the top of the list.

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What motorcycle can go 400 mph?

A “400 mph motorcycle” typically refers to a specially constructed streamliner designed to break land-speed records, such as the Ack Attack which is the current world-record holder at 376.363 mph, rather than a street-legal production bike. These specialized vehicles, powered by heavily modified, high-horsepower engines, aim to achieve 400 mph or more, facing significant challenges with aerodynamics and stability to overcome the extreme forces at these speeds.
 
You can watch this video to see a demonstration of a motorcycle aiming for speeds over 400 mph: 46sLook Auto – Top technologiesYouTube · Aug 9, 2025
Why a 400 mph Production Motorcycle Isn’t Feasible

• Production Bikes: High-performance production motorcycles, like the Kawasaki Ninja H2R or Suzuki Hayabusa, are powerful but are not designed for sustained 400 mph speeds and are not built with the necessary safety features for such extreme velocity. 
• Aerodynamic Limits: At speeds approaching 400 mph, aerodynamic drag increases exponentially, requiring immense power to overcome. 
• Stability: Streamliners must maintain stability at incredible speeds, a feat that is incredibly difficult given the narrow profile and inherent instability of a two-wheeled vehicle. 

How 400 mph is Being Pursued

• Land Speed Record (LSR) Streamliners: Teams design and build custom-built streamliners to break the land speed record. 
• Powerful Engines: These machines utilize highly modified engines, often multiple, turbocharged Hayabusa engines, to produce over 1,000 horsepower. 
• Specialized Equipment: To manage extreme speeds, these vehicles often include features like parachutes for stopping, a special transmission for accelerating from a standstill, and a robust fuel and water system. 

This video explains the technical aspects of a motorcycle designed for 300 mph speeds: 37sMorris LubricantsYouTube · Nov 27, 2024
Notable Attempts and Records

• Ack Attack: The current record holder, reaching 376.363 mph (605.697 km/h). 
• Rivas and the BUB Seven Streamliner: Chris Rivas is slated to attempt to break the 400 mph barrier in 2025 at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. 
• Guy Martin and the 52 Express: The 52 Express streamliner, built for a potential 400 mph attempt with Guy Martin, has been in development for years. 

Which bike is rare in the world?

10 Ultra-Rare Motorcycles You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

• 1 1915 Cyclone V-Twin. Price Range: Over $1 Million.
• 2 1929 Brough Superior SS100. Price Range: Over $200,000.
• 3 1936 Crocker “Small Tank” Twin.
• 4 1951 Vincent White Shadow.
• 5 1962 Matchless G50 CSR.
• 6 1986 Lamborghini Design 90.
• 7 1991 Norton F1.
• 8 1991 Bimota 1D Tesi.

What is the rarest motorcycle of all time?

List of Rarest Motorcycles in History

• 1 1952 Vincent Black Shadow.
• 2 1937 Brough Superior SS100.
• 3 2003 Terminator 3 Indian Chief.
• 4 1978 Mad Max Honda 750 Four.
• 5 1905 FN – Fabrique Nationale.
• 6 1978 Kawasaki Z1R Turbo.
• 7 1923 Harley Broad Racer.
• 8 1919 Traub.