PREVIEW - MANSHED AUCTIONS HARLEY COLLECTION - JUST BIKES

PREVIEW - Manshed Auctions Harley Collection

Photos: Courtesy of Manshed Auctions

To inaugurate their new premises in the western Sydney suburb of Seven Hills, Manshed Auctions are hosting a special two-day auction this June that’ll be essential for collectors of classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and parts.

The auction comprises almost 700 lots, mostly C1920s and 1930s parts, but with a lot of Knucklehead and Panhead parts, plus some Shovelhead bits, too. The haul includes engines, gearboxes and frames, fuel tanks, handlebars, front ends, wheels, engine parts, gauges and lights, right down to spark plugs and tank decals.

Five complete Harleys are also part of this auction – a 1927 J Model, 1934 VFD solo, ‘civilianised’ 1942 WLA, 1943 WLC and a 1947 FL Knucklehead.

“I’m a Harley guy, through and through,” says the consignor, who wishes to remain anonymous, of the theme of his collection.

The auction will also include a handful of JAP engine parts from classic speedway bikes and a pair of Howard ‘Eight’ engines from the same consignor. Australian-made Howard 810cc v-twins originally powered rotary hoes, but their classic look and torquey performance has seen them transplanted into a number of custom motorcycles.

“I like all things racing, so the JAP stuff always appealed to me,” the consignor adds. “And with the Howard, I like the history and the way those motors are put together. With a lot of brass and cast bronze pieces, they’re like works of art.”

The consignor spent almost 15 years compiling this collection, which has been sourced from all over Australia, as well the USA, Canada and even Europe. What started with a focus on J and JD (1915-1929) Harley parts expanded – obviously! – to include items from subsequent years in Harley history, but very little comes from after the 1950s.

Famous Five

In terms of the five complete bikes in the upcoming auction, two were sourced locally, with the others located overseas. All are running bar one, and some have fascinating history.

The blue ribbon lot is the ’47 Knucklehead, which came to Australia some years back and was restored here, but had spent 30+ years displayed in a motorcycle dealership in southern Indiana. The thorough restoration saw the speedo (which was exclusive to the 1947 models) sent to the US for refurbishment, with many chrome parts replated. Despite some mild deviations from stock, the bike is very authentic and presents well.

The 1927 J Model is the oldest bike in the group. Mechanically restored, but retaining its patina, the bike was originally registered in South Australia and still carries an SA number plate, despite being registered later in NSW. The bike is running its original engine, but a 1928 JD fork has been fitted. After some time in storage, this bike has been returned to running condition, with fresh fluids and new tyres.

When it comes to rarity, the 1934 VFD tops the lot. These big (1200cc) flathead twins were originally produced as sidecar haulers, but the example in the Manshed auction is claimed to be one of only five that left the factory as a solo. With three Australian owners, this VFD was restored in the 1990s and recently recommissioned after a decade in storage.

Of the two military bikes in this auction, the 1943 WLC is the Canadian version of the famous WLA. Defined by some minor engine and lighting differences, as well as 16-inch wheels front and rear (instead of the WLA’s 20- and 16-inch combo), the WLC was produced in fewer numbers than the WLA, so there are fewer survivors today. The example to be auctioned was restored some years back and recently returned to running order. Quirks include a front spotlight and WLA tail lights.

Finally, the 1942 WLA may not turn out to be the best seller in the auction, but it certainly has the best story. With local provenance dating back to the 1950s, this bike was purchased in Sydney by a returned serviceman and ridden over to South Australia. There, it was civilianised, with red, then blue (or vice versa) paint applied over the original Olive Drab, and the hand shift for the three-speed transmission replaced with a foot shift. Details, like the luggage rack, leg shields and horn are authentic, with only the tail light being non-original. Parked up in 1958, this WLA was only unearthed two years ago. It will be auctioned as found, with an engine that turns over, but in need of mechanical refurbishment.

Pre-Bidding Open

The Manshed Auctions sale of this huge Harley-Davidson collection is now open for pre-bidding ahead of the auction, which will be held on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June. Bidding gets underway from 10:30am each day - online and on-site at the new premises in Seven Hils. Day 1 will include lots 1 to 375 and Day 2 lots 376 to 696.

For further details, go to: manshedauctions.com.au