NORWICH – Featured as part of the Northeast Classic Car Museum’s “Wild Things & Wild Rides” exhibit, the 1930 Henderson Model KJ motorcycle that visitors first see as they enter the museum is the perfect introduction.

Custom-built by legendary designer O. Ray Courtney between 1934 and 1936, the priceless classic represents one of the earliest examples of the art deco style and the application of its stylistic principles to a motorcycle of any kind, according to museum officials.

The rare and historical Courtney-designed Henderson was loaned to the Classic Car Museum in mid-May by Frank Westfall, owner of the Syracuse-based Middle Earth Leather Works. A self-described “motorcycle nut,” Westfall said he bought the classic vehicle from a friend and fellow collector in July of 2001. And while the priceless Henderson required a complete renovation, Westfall said purchasing the motorcycle was an extremely easy decision.

“I fell in love and I saw a vision for it,” he added. “I’m a Henderson guy and [Courtney] was so far ahead for his time.”