HARLEYS EXCEED EXPECTATIONS AT MOTOREX AUCTION

Nine Harleys were on offer at 'Shannons Sydney Custom & Collectable Auction' at on Sunday, July 21, including some rarities from the company's back catalogue, with the lots ranging in age from 1926 up to 1981, and in condition from projects to older restorations, and even some customs.

Also under the hammer were a classic BMW R50, Aermacchi Ala Verde 250cc café racer and a 49cc Motobecane 3800 Velosolex autocycle, all from the same Sydney-based collection as the Harleys. With the exception of the BMW, these lots were also being offered with No Reserve.

Top seller amongst the nine Harleys consigned turned out to be a C1927 27B 'Peashooter' 350cc single. An older restoration, this rare OHV model hit the high range of its pre-auction estimate to sell for $18,000.

Next best was a C1946 Model U 1200cc v-twin. Another rare Harley, the big U was a 'project' status machine, but despite missing some parts and needing much work, it sailed past its $10,000 high estimate to sell for $16,000.

Prior to the MotorEx auction, the C1929 Harley Model F 1200cc IOE v-twin was tipped to be the big seller, given its good condition and historical significance as the last of the magneto-equipped machines. Arguably in poorer condition than the 27B, the '29 Model F failed to reach its estimate, but still achieved a respectable $12,500 on no reserve.

One of the more striking lots from the MotorEx auction was a civilianized and mildly customized C1942 WLA. Adorned with extended fishtail pipes, polished rims, whitewall tyres and custom paint, the non-stock 750cc v-twin sold for $14,000. An unfinished WLA-engined chopper project fetched $3,000.

Striking for a different reason was the C1963 'Topper' scooter. It may be hard for some Harley enthusiasts to stomach, but the company did make scooters during the boom in popularity of this segment in the early 1960s. Only produced between 1961 and '65, and never a huge seller, even when new, Toppers attract attention today for their unique status within the Harley-Davidson catalogue. Powered by a 165cc two-stroke single, this older restoration sold for $4,700 against a pre-auction estimate of $5-8,000.

Other sales from this group included $7,000 for an unrestored 1957 Sportster; $6,500 for a rough, but complete C1926 26B 350cc 'Pup' solo; and $6,500 for the newest machine of the group, a 1981 FLTHC Tour Glide Classic.

Away from the Harleys, the BMW R50 exceeded its reserve price to sell for $11,000, while the Aermacchi and Velosolex autocycle sold for $7,300 and $1,250.

Further details from this auction are viewable at www.shannons.com.au. Shannons' next auction is scheduled for September 23 in Melbourne.