The parking lot at the National Packard Museum was packed full Friday evening for the opening of the museum’s Annual Antique Motorcycle Exhibit. Attendees were parking as far as the lawn at the north end of the Warren, Ohio, museum’s grounds for the kick-off of this year’s exhibit that celebrates 100 years of BMW motorcycles.

National Packard Museum executive director Mary Ann Porinchak estimated about 150 people were on hand for the opening night ceremonies to get a first glimpse at the more than 35 motorcycles that compose the 23rd edition of the National Packard Museum’s seasonal motorcycle exhibit. 

The event featured food, drinks, and an opportunity for guests to meet many of the collectors whose motorcycles are on loan for the exhibit. Near the end of the event, Porinchak and the museum’s Motorcycle Exhibit Committee chair Jim Iacozili – owner of the Motozilli dealership in nearby Champion, Ohio – thanked the crowd for their attendance and asked each exhibitor to stand and be applauded.

The exhibit features eight BMWs that range from model years 1931 to 1990, as well as 27 motorcycles from other brands – including New Era, BSA, NSU, DKW, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Triumph, Victoria, Cushman, Sears Allstate, Greeves, Rokon, Hodaka, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Husqvarna and Royal Enfield. 

Twenty-seven of the exhibit’s machines are on loan from Ohio owners, as well as four bikes from Pennsylvanians and another four from Floridians. 

This year’s exhibit runs until May 20. The National Packard Museum is located at 1899 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren, OH 44483. For more information about the museum – including hours and admission – visit http://packardmuseum.org or call 330.394.1899.