We’ve looked at the motor-racing-inspired bikes of Arizona-based DP Customs before – but the latest build by the family-owned company is certainly worthy of closer inspection. Inspired by the black-and-gold John Player Special scheme worn by Mario Andretti’s Lotus 79, the Harley-Davidson Sportster-based creation goes by the name of ‘The Player’.

The golden touch

Starting with a 1997 1200cc Sportster, the brothers hand-fashioned the oil tank, petrol tank and tail section from sheet steel. “Mario Andretti is our favourite driver of all time,” says Jarrod Del Prado, “so we went for the lightweight and angular look from the side view of his Lotus 79.” The custom-design wheels were CNC’d, then shod with Pirelli Sport Demons, while the exhaust is a DP Customs Box Pipe. Before being sent to Walkers Way for its eye-catching paintwork, The Player was fitted with Brembo calipers, ISR master cylinders and adjustable hand controls, plus a Stack tachometer. We feel Mr Chapman would approve.

Photos: Strahm Photography for DP Customs