Harley collection to be auctioned at MotorEx

The nine, part of a significant collection of classic motorcycles, will be going under the hammer at Shannons Sydney Custom & Collectable Auction at on Sunday, July 21.

The Harley collection was assembled over a 40 year period by a Sydney-based collector, whose aim was to have a Harley of each kind and type, from the earliest models, up to and including the C1980s Shovelheads.

Standout examples of the nine include a C1929 F Model 1000cc solo - the last year for the magneto model Harleys. The bike presents well as the result of an older restoration, but like all the bikes in the collection, hasn't been started for many years, so will require some mechanical recommissioning. Because of its importance as the last twin magneto Harley, Shannons expect it to sell in the $16,000-$19,000 range.

Also among the older lots is a C1926 26B 350cc single Pup model and a C1927 27B 350cc 'Peashooter' that has seen very little use since its restoration many years ago.
Guiding range for the Pup is $10,000 - $15,000, while the 27B Peashooter is expected to bring $14,000-$18,000.

A Harley-Davidson in name, but certainly not in image, is the very rare 1963 'Topper' - the only scooter the Milwaukee company ever produced. Powered by a 165 cc (10.1 cu in) two-stroke single and running through a CVT automatic transmission, the Topper was introduced in 1961 and sold through to 1965 before being discontinued. The example consigned is in good, restored condition, but would need mechanical refurbishing. Shannons expect it to sell for $5,000-$8,000.

Other Harleys in the group include a project-status C1946 Model U solo ($6,000 - $10,000 guiding range), civilianized and mildly customized (fishtail pipes, whitewall tyres, custom paint) C1942 WLA ($12,000 - $15,000 guiding range), chopper project C1942 WLA with Sportster peanut tank and Springer front end ($5,000 - $8,000 guiding range), C1957 Sportster ($8,000 - $12,000 guiding range) and 1981 FLHTC Tour Glide Classic ($10,000 - $14,000 guiding range).

Not badged a 'Harley', but built by Aermacchi in Italy after Harley-Davidson took a 50 per cent stake in the company, is a C1967 Aermacchi Ala Verde 250cc 'Café Racer' in complete and original condition. This stylish machine is a matching-numbers unit, showing just 1,828 miles. Guiding range is $6,000-$9,000.

Bookending the Harley collection at the MotorEx auction are a 1967 BMW R50 ($8,000-$12,000) and Motobecane 3800 Velosolex autocycle ($2,500-$3,500 range).

Other lots from this major collection of more than 40 motorcycles, including many desirable and rare models, will be offered for sale by Shannons at future auctions.

Shannons have advised that none of the bikes has been run for approximately 10 years, so all will need varying degrees of recommissioning.

Shannons Sydney Custom & Collectable Auction will take place as part of Meguiar's MotorEx on Sunday, July 21. For more details, visit www.shannons.com.au