First' Harley v-twin auctioned for $287K

Introduced in 1911, the 7D was significant in Harley's history, as it represented the company's first commercially-catalogued v-twin model. While Harley had produced previously v-twin powerplants, they were only used for racing or promotional purposes, due to the unreliable 'atmospheric' operation of the v-twin's inlet valves.

The 7D featured camshaft-operated valves, which made for smoother and better operation, particularly at low speeds, which in turn made the v-twin a more viable production engine. Since then, of course, the v-twin has become as much a part of Harley-Davidson as the bar and shield logo.

At Las Vegas, the rarity of the 7D, particularly in the restored condition of Pardos's example, saw it sell for US$260,000 (AU$287K approx.), a price rarely achieved by Harley-Davidsons at auction.

Of the 20-strong Pardos collection, three others achieved prices of US$100K or better (including US$165K - AU$187K approx - for a 1936 model EL), with only two going unsold. Total sales from this auction, conducted over three days, set a new total sales record of US$7.47 million (AU$8.34 M approx.), with an 82 percent clearance rate.

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Images: courtesy of Mecum Auctions