Race Harley auctioned for $600,000

The FHA 8-valve v-twin racer was one of only around 50 built by Harley-Davidson from 1916 up to the late 1920s, with this C1927 believed to be one of the last built. When new, these bikes were prohibitively expensive, so rarely appeared in the hands of non-factory racers, so how it ended up here in Australia, in private hands, is something of a mystery.

 

Fitted with a scramble-type sidecar, the bike was believed to have been sold new in Melbourne by Milledge Bros. P/L in 1927. Fitted with a slipper-style sidecar, the FHA was reportedly raced through the 1930s in Australia competition, carrying 'AP' signage signifying sponsorship by oil and fuel distributor, A.P. Penn (no relation to Pennzoil, in case you were wondering).

 

Last campaigned in the early 1940s, the bike had been laid up since then, in the possession of the original owner's family. Found with oil and dirt from its last campaign, the dust-covered Harley was regarded as an ultimate barn find ahead of its appearance at Shannons September 21 auction, and given its rarity, was expected to sell for over $100,000, even with a No Reserve listing.

 

Strong pre-auction interest from enthusiasts in Australia, the United States and Europe ensured that the battle for the rare racer was going to be on from the word go and the large crowd that crammed into Shannons Cheltenham auction room wasn't disappointed.

 

Bidding opened strongly at $100,000 and rose rapidly in $20,000 spurts until $470,000. From there, a US phone and local floor bidder traded blows, first in $10,000, then $5,000 punches, before the room fell silent at $600,000. The winning bidder was the local, ensuring the bike will remain in Australia, at least for the time being.

 

Shannons National Auction Manager Christophe Boribon said the sale was "very important" for the future of collectible and important motorcycles in Australia.

 

"Motorcycles of this calibre have been under-valued on the world market for some years," he added. "This is truly a watershed moment."

 

Further details on this and other motorcycles auctioned at the Melbourne Spring Auction can be found at:shannons.com.au