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• Auction House:
  Webb's
• Sale Name:
  Warbirds & Wheels
• Sale Date:
  30 Mar 2014 ~ 1pm (NZ time)
• Lot #:
  46
• Lot Description:
  1938 Harley Davidson Knucklehead EL
• Notes:
  Knuckle Up: The 38 EL Knuckle inspired a generation and is considered by many as the most collectable production bike of its period. This example has been restored by American expert, Fred Lange, who is recognised as one of the old-school leaders in the preservation of heritage American iron. There is currently a four-year waiting list to secure a Fred Lange machine direct from his bench. This example is in excellent condition. Without question one of the most handsome and readily recognisable motorcycle power units of all time, the Harley-Davidson 61ci overhead-valve V-twin known as the Knucklehead after its distinctively shaped rocker boxes arrived powering a stylish all-new motorcycle. A twin-loop frame was deemed necessary to handle the 61s increased power (37bhp in E and 40bhp in high-compression EL forms) while the front suspension, too, was beefed up, the forks switching to oval tubing in place of the previous forged I-beams. The Knucklehead was a slow success for Harley. The company sold only 152 of them in 1936, out of a planned production run of 1,600, and only 127 in 1937. However, the Milwaukee factory quickly set about establishing the ELs performance credentials, with Joe Petrali setting a new speed record of 136mph at Daytona Beach in March of that year. Then, in April 1937, Fred Ham, a Pasadena motorcycle police officer took his own, carefully broken-in Model E to Muroc Dry Lake (now known as Edwards Air Force Base). He outlined a five-mile circle with flags and flare-pots for round-the-clock riding. Stopping only for fuel, oil and fruit juice, and to change a broken rear chain in the 20th hour, Ham completed 1,825 miles, averaging 76.02mph. He set 43 new speed and distance records for himself and Harley-Davidsons Model E, single-handedly founded the legend of the Knuckleheads.Considered the most collectable of the pre war Harleys this Knuckle EL is a true collectors piece and is in immaculate order.
• Estimate:
  NZ$55,000 - 65,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.