BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- It's long been subjective that the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum contained the best collection of motorcycles in the world. Now it officially has been recognized as having the largest by Guinness World Records.

Jeff Ray, the museum's executive director, joined museum founder George Barber and Birmingham Mayor William Bell in unveiling a certificate citing the acknowledgement from the London-based organization.

The 144,000-square-foot facility on the grounds of Barber Motorsports Park houses almost 1,400 motorcycles -- about 700 of which are on display in rotation -- dating to 1902. Bikes from 20 countries represent 200 different manufacturers. The common street bike is represented, as well as rare, one-off Gran Prix race machinery. Bikes have been purchased from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and Sweden.

"It's great to be recognized by Guinness as the world's largest motorcycle museum because it puts Alabama on the map in an interesting and unique way," said Barber (in photo at left), whose interest in motorcycles spurred the opening in 1995 of his first display in a building on the south side of the city. "The museum provides a wonderful experience for visitors."

The current five-story facility opened in 2003, and also contains an extensive vintage race car collection and the largest array of Lotus cars in the world.

"The park and museum bring large crowds during the weekend of (the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama)," Ray said. "What better time to make this announcement."

Check out the framed certificate in the lobby when you visit the museum.

Click it: More info about the museum