The “Hemmings Stay Gold Sweepstakes” gives one lucky winner a one-of-a-kind machine featuring metal flake artwork by renowned, custom artist Travis “Tuki” Hess
Hemmings, the original online collector car marketplace, today announced the launch of the “Hemmings Stay Gold Sweepstakes,” a giveaway offering one winner the opportunity to own a custom-built Trail 70 Minibike unlike any other.
Built from the ground up in the Hemmings Garage in Bennington, Vermont, the minibike, dubbed “Stay Gold,” is the product of countless hours from Shop Manager Junior Nevison, Technical Editor Terry McGean, and the Hemmings Garage team. The project began after the crew restored a family heirloom 1970 Honda CT-70 and rediscovered the charm of the minibike that introduced generations of enthusiasts to riding and wrenching. Inspired by the ability to source nearly every component new, the team set out to create something that honored the CT-70’s legacy while pushing its design in a new direction. Using all-new parts from Bart Moto Co., the Hemmings crew designed and assembled the custom machine before partnering with renowned painter Travis “Tuki” Hess, whose signature metal flake artwork gave Stay Gold its unmistakable personality. From concept to completion, Stay Gold showcases the dedication, craftsmanship, and countless hours invested by the Hemmings Garage team, as told in a video on Hemmings’ YouTube Channel.
“Stay Gold represents everything we love about this hobby,” said Jonathan Shaw, President of Hemmings. “It’s creative, personal, and deeply rooted in the memories that first sparked our passion for cars and motorcycles. Projects like this remind us that collector culture today should preserve the past and balance that with inspiring the next generation of enthusiasts to build, create, and make memories of their own.”
PHOTO EDITORS: Photos of the Hemmings Trail 70 Minibike are available at this link.
To bring the vision to life, Hemmings partnered with Travis “Tuki” Hess of Kolor by Tuki Kustom Auto Paint. Widely respected throughout the drag racing and custom automotive communities, Hess is known for his intricate metal flake paintwork and period-inspired designs. For Stay Gold, he applied his signature artistry across the frame, fenders, and headlamp nacelle, creating a finish that captures the bold spirit of 1970s custom culture while remaining unmistakably original.
Every component was selected to complement the custom paint scheme and create a machine that feels equally at home on display or on the road.
Features include:
- 125cc engine with high-lift cam and manual four-speed gearbox
- Nibbi 24mm carburetor
- Wide-body frame with 5.5L fuel tank
- Adjustable inverted aluminum front forks
- One-piece aluminum 12-inch wheels
- Coker Classic whitewall tires
- Chrome drag-pipe exhaust
- Hydraulic front disc brake and rear drum brake
- Stretched aluminum swingarm
- Digital speedometer cluster
- Custom gold metal flake diamond-stitched seat hand-sewn by Hemmings Shop Manager Junior Nevison
380K produced, only one “Stay Gold”
According to the National Motorcycle Museum, the Honda CT-70 occupies a unique place in motorcycling history. Introduced in 1969 and sold through the early 1980s, the compact minibike helped introduce a generation of riders to motorcycling and became one of Honda’s most successful models, with more than 380,000 units produced. Its approachable size, distinctive styling, and enduring reliability made it a fixture in garages, campgrounds, and backyards across America, and it remains one of the most beloved minibikes among collectors today.
The custom “Stay Gold” CT-70 made its public debut on June 12, 2026 at the Paradise Road Show in Austin, Texas, and will appear at select events throughout the summer.
“Ask a hundred enthusiasts how they got started and many will point to a minibike, a project in the garage, or a machine that gave them their first taste of freedom,” said Dan Stoner, Creative Director at Hemmings. “Stay Gold taps into that feeling. It’s a reminder that some of the most meaningful vehicles aren’t the most expensive ones. They’re the ones that create lifelong memories.”
The “Stay Gold Sweepstakes” is now open and runs through August 20, 2026. One winner will take home the custom-built machine for free. While thousands of CT-70s have survived over the decades, there will only be one Hemmings “Stay Gold” minibike.
For complete rules and eligibility information, and to enter the sweepstakes, visit https://www.hmn.com/staygold. No purchase necessary.
About Hemmings
Founded in 1954, Hemmings is the original online collector car marketplace. For more than 70 years, we have grown and uplifted the collector car community because we’ve been part of it since the start. Through our frictionless marketplace, quality entertainment, and professional service, we help all willing drivers buy, sell, and live the collector car lifestyle. Hemmings Motor Club extends this mission by bringing enthusiasts together through exclusive benefits, curated driving experiences, and deeper community connections for those who live to drive. More information, services, and content are available at https://www.hemmings.com/. Stay connected with Hemmings on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and search tens of thousands of vehicle listings from the palm of your hand with the Hemmings App.
