We've seen some pretty crazy contraptions hit the streets in our day, but the TMC Dumont motorcycle is on another level of ridiculous. And, we definitely mean "ridiculous" in a good way.
Winning the "Best of Show" award at Daytona Bike Week a couple years back, the TMC Dumont, an airplane engine-equipped hubless motorcycle, runs on 36-inch wheels with a 300-horsepower Rolls-Royce Continental V6 engine from the '60s. You just gotta love that vintage power!
The TMC Dumont was built by Tarso Marques, a Brazilian ex-Formula One racer turned custom builder, who demonstrated tons of national pride in putting the project together. You need to see this thing hit the streets!
WATCH: TMC Dumont Motorcycle
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"My greatest motivation was to show the Americans our capacity for creation and innovation with a 100% national project," Marques said in an interview. "And I think these trophies of the photos respond well to this doubt and prove that not only did we succeed, but that the dream was worth it."
Notice the awkward rear positioning of the driver to the back-wheel and the obstructed front view that's blocked by the front wheel. Hopefully, higher seating is in the plan for the next design round, but it's a badass design nonetheless.
Now, you might think that Marques' custom project marked the first time that a motorcycle enthusiastic went and strapped an airplane engine to their bike. But, this isn't the case. As it turns out, back in 2013, the Red Baron bike featured the 150-horsepower, nine-cylinder Rotec Radial engine used in WWI-era planes. That said, the TMC Dumont's look is undeniably one of a kind.
This post was originally published on January 19, 2019.