| Paul d'Orléans | |
|---|---|
| Born | Paul d'Orléans 1964 |
| Occupation(s) | Author, journalist |
| Years active | 2006 - present |
| Known for | Motorcycle history |
| Notable work | The Chopper; the Real Story |
Paul d'Orléans (born 1964) is an American motorcycle historian, author and curator known for his expertise in motorcycle culture and history. He is the founder and editor of the website The Vintagent, an online resource for motorcycle history and culture. He is a frequent contributor to motorcycle publications and has authored several books on motorcycle history and culture. d'Orléans is a vocal advocate for the preservation of vintage motorcycles and is a recognized figure in the custom motorcycle scene. He is the founder of the Motorcycle Film Festival, an annual event that showcases films about motorcycles and motorcycle culture.
Biography
d'Orléans was born in 1964. He grew up in San Francisco, California. He went to high school and then attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he studied fine art.
d'Orléans began his professional life as a decorative painter. His interest in motorcycles led him to become a writer, journalist and historian specializing in motorcycle culture. In 2006, d'Orléans founded The Vintagent, a website dedicated to vintage and custom motorcycles. The Vintagent quickly became a popular online resource for motorcycle enthusiasts. The website features articles, historical information and photographs.
d'Orléans has also written for many motorcycle publications, including Cycle World, Classic Bike Guide, At Large magazine, Men's File and The Automobile. He has authored several books on motorcycles including The Chopper; the Real Story (2014), The Ride (2014) and The Riders: Motorcycle Adventurers, Cruisers, Outlaws, and Racers the World Over (2021).
In 2010, d'Orléans founded the Motorcycle Film Festival. He is known for his work to preserve motorcycle history and to promote vintage and custom motorcycles. He is regarded as an important person in the motorcycle community.
d'Orleans is a co-founder of the Motor/Cycle Arts Foundation (MC/AF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of motorcycle arts and culture. The foundation works to document and celebrate motorcycle history through various mediums including film, photography, and literature. Through the MC/AF, d'Orleans has helped organize exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs that explore the intersection of motorcycles with art, society, and technology. The foundation also works to preserve important artifacts and documents related to motorcycle culture and history.
Recognitions
d'Orléans has received recognition for his contributions to motorcycle culture. He was invited to be the guest curator for the "ADV:Overland" exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum. He has also served as a judge for events such as the Quail Motorcycle Gathering and the Concorso di Villa d'Este. d'Orléans has provided commentary at motorcycle auctions for Bonhams and Mecum Auctions, including appearances on NBCSN.
References
- ^ Fleming, Charles (28 February 2018). "'Alt custom' motorcycles to begin one-year exhibit at Petersen Automotive Museum". www.latimes.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- "Short Film: Baja Scrambler – Featuring Paul d'Orleans of The Vintagent". silodrome.com. 25 October 2020. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Fleming, Charles (8 July 2016). "Appreciation: 'Easy Rider' bike designer Cliff Vaughs, 79, lived many lives: Photographer, filmmaker, boat captain". www.latimes.com. Archived from the original on 18 December 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ Dargegen, Remi (18 May 2018). "Living the vintage motorcycle dream with Paul d'Orleans". www.classicdriver.com. Archived from the original on 17 April 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Lieback, Ron (11 April 2022). "Custom Electric Moto Mania Set for LA's Petersen Museum". Cycle World. Archived from the original on 23 July 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Huber, Tim (26 March 2018). "25 Avant-Garde Customs to be Showcased at LA Exhibition". www.rideapart.com. Archived from the original on 15 May 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Lewis, John (17 April 2024). "Behind The Bars With Paul d'Orléans". thebullitt.com. Archived from the original on 20 July 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- "Paul d'Orléans & Susan McLaughlin". Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Ilminen, Gary (15 July 2014). "Rider's Library - Cafe Racers Speed, Style and Ton-up Culture". ultimatemotorcycling.com. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Dreisbach, Tom (11 October 2014). "Behind The Motorcycles In 'Easy Rider,' A Long-Obscured Story". www.npr.org. Archived from the original on 10 March 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Tolson, Shaun (18 January 2019). "You Can Buy a Coveted Motorcycle from the MC Collection Through Mecum Auctions in Las Vegas". robbreport.com. Archived from the original on 18 May 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Kurylyk, Zac (16 June 2021). "ADV Overland exhibit will be out of this world". www.advrider.com. Archived from the original on 24 July 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Rider Magazine Staff (27 July 2021). "ADV:Overland – The Petersen Automotive Museum Celebrates the Spirit of Motorcycle Adventure". ridermagazine.com. Archived from the original on 27 July 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Stokstad, Bob (24 May 2011). "2011 Quail Motorcycle Gathering - Special Feature". www.cycleworld.com. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Defaut, Jean-Philippe (16 June 2016). "Grow old with me darling Quail…". medium.com. Archived from the original on 16 January 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- "Paul d'Orléans: "It took everything the little Honda had to pass Jay Leno"". www.motul.com. 13 August 2020. Archived from the original on 25 December 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.