Autoblog

Orange County Choppers facing foreclosure?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle, Celebrities

Drama. It's what the television show American Chopper has always been built upon, much more so than any of its so-called 'theme bikes.' And drama is exactly what's been unfolding over the last few years as both Orange County Choppers and its hit TV show have undergone a number of important changes... not the least of which is the disintegration of family relations between the show's three stars, Paul Teutul Sr., Paul Jr. and Mikey, leading to two rival custom motorcycle shops.

The latest bit of tension is reportedly between Paul Sr. and GE Capital, the bank though which the company's massive corporate headquarters in New York is financed. According to reports, the elder Teutul has missed two large payments on the building, one for $96,400 and another for $14,000, not because he or the company doesn't have the funds, but due to a disagreement in the current valuation of the building.

As anyone who's had the displeasure of dealing with such ramifications of the recently collapsing values of real estate here in the United States can tell you, OCC's HQ likely is worth less now than when it was built, but that doesn't mean payments on the loan (in this case, there are two loans, one for $11.5 million and another for $1.5 million) can be stopped.

Not surprisingly, GE Capital reportedly filed a foreclosure action against Orange County Choppers late in 2010.

[Source: Times Herald-Record via Asphalt & Rubber | Image: BigJimInDC - C.C. 2.0]

Orange County Choppers facing foreclosure? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Resume Chopping: TLC bringing back American Chopper, pitting family as foes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Motorcycle, Celebrities

TLC, which in this case rather ironically stands for The Learning Channel, will once again be teaching us all what's it's like to live in a truly dysfunctional family. No, we're not talking about Jon and Kate, we're talking choppers. American Chopper, that is.

Unlike before, when the reality television series focused on the lives of one family and its quest to assemble raked-out custom motorcycles, it will now focus on, um, two families... sorta. Both of them will still have the same last name, but anyone who watched the show over the last season or so knows that the two Paul Teutuls don't get along in any shape or form.

As such, the show will reportedly follow both father and son as they build motorcycles in different shops, one of which we assume will be Senior's Orange County Choppers. The other will presumably be Paul Jr. Designs. Sounds to us like a giant case of Teutul overload, but what do we know? Thanks for the tip, Quest!

[Source: The New York Post]

Resume Chopping: TLC bringing back American Chopper, pitting family as foes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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End of the Road: American Chopper chopped, fat lady sings

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Motorcycle, Celebrities

It's been a long time coming, but celebrity gossip site TMZ reports that American Chopper has finally been canceled. A spokesperson for TLC, which picked the show up after its first few years on The Discovery Channel, said, "The Teutuls will always be a part of the Discovery family and we congratulate them on a tremendously successful series run." The final episode will air February 11 at 9:00 PM.

It wasn't tough to see this one coming from a mile away. The hit show has seemingly been just a shell of its former self since two of the original Teutul trio have stopped speaking to their father and disappeared completely from the Orange County Choppers shop.

Recall also that Paul Teutul filed a lawsuit against Paul Teutul Jr. for over a million dollars a couple of months ago and it's easy to see that things have been going south for quite some time. Finally, now that the crew has built customs that run on everything from gasoline to ethanol, diesel, compressed natural gas, electricity and even a hybrid, there just don't seem to be any more alternative fuels left to conquer.

[Source: TMZ]

End of the Road: American Chopper chopped, fat lady sings originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Family Feud: American Chopper's Paul Teutel Sr. reportedly sues Paul Jr. for over $1 million

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle

Drama, drama, drama. Don't let anyone fool you into thinking American Chopper is all about the motorcycles. In reality, the television show has always been about an amazingly dysfunctional family, and in particular the father/son relationship of its two main characters: Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr.

Truth be told, we're not big fans of the show. Don't get us wrong, we love motorcycles, but as we said, this series has never really focused on building motorcycles (plus we prefer to ride bikes designed to be, um... ridden). That's never been more true than right now, as anyone who happens to catch an episode from the last two seasons can tell you that Sr. currently has no contact at all with any of his children, including Jr. and Mikey.

Those on-air disagreements have reportedly culminated in a lawsuit filed by Paul Teutul Sr. in the Supreme Court of New York. The elder Teutul is seeking to buy his son's shares in Orange County Choppers Holdings, Inc., along with over $1 million in damages. Kinda makes all that talk in previous seasons of not letting anything get in the way of family seem a bit disingenuous, no?

[Source: TMZ | Image: Carlo Allegri/Getty Images]

Family Feud: American Chopper's Paul Teutel Sr. reportedly sues Paul Jr. for over $1 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Completing the Green Circle: Orange County Choppers to build hybrid motorcycle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Motorcycle, Celebrities

Following custom motorcycles that run on ethanol, compressed natural gas and electricity, Orange County Choppers has signed a deal with Schneider Electric to produce the Toyota Prius of choppers. That's right, OCC is completing the eco-friendly circle by going hybrid. The stated goal is to build a motorcycle "capable of traveling farther, without refueling or recharging, than any other OCC bike in history," said Paul Teutul, Sr. in a statement. We can't imagine that would be all that difficult, but whatever.

Schneider Electric, which acquired the popular uninterruptible power supply maker American Power Conversion (APC) in 2007, will provide the technical know-how and componentry to make all the assorted hybrid bits function properly. We can't really be sure until the bike is unveiled, but it sounds like this motorcycle will sport a parallel hybrid powertrain similar in principle to that of the popular Prius hatchback.

Expect the bike to make its television debut sometime in 2010 on a future episode of American Chopper. Sometime before the end of 2009, selected Schneider Electric contractor partners will get sneak peeks at the hybrid chopper and eight of them will get their very own OCC production motorcycles. Click past the break for a short video that doesn't actually show the bike along with the official press release.

[Source: Schneider Electric]

Continue reading Completing the Green Circle: Orange County Choppers to build hybrid motorcycle

Completing the Green Circle: Orange County Choppers to build hybrid motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Green County Choppers? OCC creates custom electric chopper

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Electric

Click above to watch the video after the break

Following Orange County Choppers' frequent use of alt-fuels (see E85 bike and natural gas bike) comes something a wee bit different from what we're used to seeing from the New York-based custom motorcycle crew: a fully electric chopper. Commissioned by Siemens USA, the zero-emissions motorcycle is powered by a 27-horsepower electric motor from Advanced DC and can go an estimated 60 miles after a five-hour charge. Top speed is listed at 100 miles per hour, likely making this one of the fastest bikes ever to roll out of the OCC showroom.

Naturally, you'll get to watch the build take place on an episode of American Chopper that's current scheduled to air on TLC on Thursday, October 22 at 9PM. Says Paul Teutul, Sr.:

Building an electric bike from recycled materials was something new for us, but we definitely enjoyed the challenge and think that the end product makes a great addition to our wide range of unique motorcycles. While electric bikes probably won't surpass traditional ones for the foreseeable future, we also think that energy efficient technologies are increasingly important for both manufacturers and consumers.

At this time, OCC says it has no plans to mass produce an electric chopper, but Senior says it's would consider it if adequate demand were there. In any case, you'll get the chance to own this example after Siemens take it on a worldwide tour in 2010, after which it will be auctioned off with the benefits going to "a charitable cause that will help benefit the environment." Click past the break for a video along with the press release.

[Source: Siemens | Photo: Jason DeCrow / AP Images for Siemens]

Continue reading Green County Choppers? OCC creates custom electric chopper

Green County Choppers? OCC creates custom electric chopper originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paul Teutul Sr. from Orange County Choppers launches Ducati dealership

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Celebrities

American Chopper fans were surely shocked as the latest season kicked off with the apparent firing of Paul Teutel Jr., but that's not the only surprise in store for the long-running reality television series this year. It seems the Teutuls have more on their cycling minds than just screaming matches and outlandish Harley-inspired customs. In fact, Paul Sr.'s next two-wheeled venture is just about as far in the other direction as you could imagine. Curious? Think Italian, and think fast.

That's right, though it seems at first glance like a rather odd pairing, Teutul Sr. (right) is indeed opening a Ducati dealership in his home state of New York called Ducati Hudson Valley. To celebrate OCC's 10th anniversary, the shop has turned its torches away from rumbling American V-twins for a moment and focused its attention on a new custom L-twin-powered Monster 1100 that will be featured on an upcoming episode of American Chopper on TLC.

Still don't believe it? No worries - we did a double-take too. Click past the break for the official press release.

[Source: Ducati | Image: Andrew H. Walker/Getty]

Continue reading Paul Teutul Sr. from Orange County Choppers launches Ducati dealership

Paul Teutul Sr. from Orange County Choppers launches Ducati dealership originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First automated motorcycle wash opens in U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Lifestyle, Motorcycle

Regular watchers of American Chopper on TLC have seen this one before, but it's probably a new concept for the rest of the class. A new automated motorcycle wash has recently opened in the United States -- the first of its kind. Simply ride up, lock your front tire into the custom mount and walk away. A few minutes later, after a barrage of high-pressure water, soap and a massive blow dryer have done their things, your bike is now clean and ready to ride off into the sunset. For owners of relatively new bikes, this process will probably work out just fine. If we were riding an older bike with suspect electrics (Triumph owners, we're looking at you... jealously), perhaps the good ole' fashioned rag and bucket would be a better option. The system debuted in Indianapolis just in time for the recent MotoGP race held in the city. We've pasted the press release after the break.

[Source: Moto Express Wash via Next Autos]

Continue reading First automated motorcycle wash opens in U.S.

First automated motorcycle wash opens in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vinnie and Cody from OCC create their own custom bike company

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Celebrities

Where did Vinnie go? Ever since the American Chopper episode where it was revealed that Vincent DiMartino was leaving for greener pastures and new opportunities, fans of the show have wondered what he was up to. The answer is that he's still building custom motorcycles, just for his own company: V-Force Customs. Not only that, but Cody Connelly, also from Orange County fame, has joined forces with Vinnie in the creation of their own custom bike operation. The company is currently working on its shop in New York, but plans to introduce its first bike at Daytona Beach for Bike Week 2008. February 29th is coming up pretty quickly, so we should be getting some more information soon enough. After touring for a year, the dynamic duo will be giving the bike to one lucky customer.

If you're interested in knowing more, the company has set up a web forum, and it appears that both Vinnie and Cody occasionally make it there to communicate with fans directly. Considering that Vinnie was one of the best things about OCC, we are pretty sure he'll do alright for himself and look forward to seeing his first solo effort in Daytona. For a very grainy and low-quality preview of what they are working on, check out our gallery below.

[Source: V-Force Customs]

Gallery: V-Force Customs

Vinnie and Cody from OCC create their own custom bike company originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OCC introduces two new production bikes, including first bagger

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows, Motorcycle, Celebrities

click above for more pics of OCC's new production bike

Despite the fact that the Orange County Choppers television show has been on for years now and the shop's top mechanic, Vinnie, has left for good, the public still loves the Teutels. No matter what you may think of their theme bikes, there's no denyiny that an OCC bike draws plenty of attention. Those who are willing to pay for that attention can buy one of their production machines full of OCC logos and custom touches, and they have recently added two new models to their line, a bagger and a bike known as "Sweet Amber". Today we'll take a peak at the as-yet-unnamed bagger, which looks pretty sinister above in all black. We like the usability that a custom bagger offers without sacrificing the look of a custom bike. Corbin Fleetliner bags provide 40 liters of storage and hide the exhaust pipes, leaving just the aft openings visible. The rear tire is a reasonable 240 mm, which, along with the livable rake and trail measurements, should provide a decent handling machine.

What is most exciting about this bike is the powerplant, which is the first application of S&S's X-Wedge engine in a rubber mount, meaning that this should be a smooth runner. Other user-friendly touches are included in the fairing, with a low smoked windshield and a jack with speakers for your iPod. Here's the bad news: they plan on selling the machine for around $50 grand. That's quite a chunk of change, but might be worth it considering that a stock Harley bagger is often more than half that amount. We have gathered some photos courtesy of Motorcycle USA and included them below, so be sure to take a look.

[Source: Motorcycle USA]

Gallery: OCC Production Bagger

OCC introduces two new production bikes, including first bagger originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale: Hemi Charger and OC Chopper set sells at $235,000

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:43:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions

Click on the image for a gallery of high-res images of these vehicles

Orange County Choppers Teutul family didn't come to Scottsdale empty handed. They brought six vehicles to Barrett-Jackson that conveniently fit into this year's "pairs" category.

Elsewhere we talk about the Corvette/Chopper pair that fetched $160,000, and the "Eleanor" Mustangs that brought $210,000 for Paul, Sr's yellow screamer and $225,000 for Paul, Jr's beautiful red over silver Foose special. But before those two sets sold, first up was a rare 1968 Charger hardtop with a 426 Hemi, automatic transmission and power windows. The car was never restored and had only one repaint. It's a rare bird, with only 74 ever made, but even more rare is the custom OCC bike built to match. It even has identical paint. The orange details and Charger-like rims really make this bike shine. This striking pair went for a high gavel price of $235,000.

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

Gallery: 2007 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale: Hemi Charger and OC Chopper set

2007 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale: Hemi Charger and OC Chopper set sells at $235,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale: OCC Eleanor Mustangs Bring $210/$235K

Chris Tutor — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Ford

Click on the image for a regrettably meager gallery of high-res images of these vehicles

Like the Teutuls but not into MOPAR or Chevy? Up for some fierce Fords? On a 2004 American Chopper episode, OCC built a bike for Unique Performance and Carroll Shelby that mimicked the styling of the "Eleanor" GT500E from "Gone in 60 Seconds." In return, the Teutuls were given two custom Mustangs.

Paul Sr. got this screamin' yellow 1967 GT500E Fastback with a 725hp Shelby 427. It's one of only 75 Super Snakes built and was only driven 19 miles. You should be ashamed, Mr. Teutul! It fetched $210,000.

Paul Jr.'s Unique Performance GT500E is even more special. It's got the same performance specs as his dad's, but it's the only Super Snake designed by Chip Foose, who gave the car a signature two-tone paint job, 19-inch Foose wheels and an adjustable rear suspension. Junior at least drove his 75 miles before auctioning it. Junior's much nicer looking car sold for $235,000.

And, if you wanted the bike that goes along with the cars, it was here too. The well-heeled bidder taking it home can brag about having the only Shelby Chopper in the world. His logos are all over the bike, including on the Shelby-inspired wheels and embroidered into the leather seat. With 131hp, it'll also keep up with either Jr. or Sr's cars.

[Source: Frank Filipponio via Barrett-Jackson]

Gallery: 2007 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale: OCC "Eleanor" Mustangs

2007 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale: OCC Eleanor Mustangs Bring $210/$235K originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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