Strong results for Manshed Auctions’ April Harley sale

The most recent Harley-Davidson clearance conducted by Manshed Auctions has delivered another great outcome, with the multi-vendor auction seeing the vast majority of the 486 lots on offer find buyers. The timed online auction that ran from Feb to April attracted international interest, with buyers from the USA, Netherlands, Italy and Japan.

Of the collectables on offer, a 1970 dealership ‘opening hours’ sign sold for an amazing $2,000, while a set of the ‘Enthusiast’ magazines lived up to pre-auction expectation, making $425. Of the parts consigned, a complete Model U v-twin excelled, making $11,500, while a 1947 big twin frame sold for $8,000. A Knucklehead transmission and springer front end sold for $4,800 and $3,800 respectively, with a rebuilt WLA motor, complete WLA transmission and related frame selling for $4,700, $3,500 and $3,700 respectively. This reaffirmed the strong interest in classic Harley parts seen in previous Manshed Auctions.

Other rare parts sold in the thousands or high hundreds of dollars, but the surprise was high demand for early Harley-Davidson spark plugs. A genuine C1920s NOS pair in original packaging sold for $850, with even single units making as much as $600. Less surprising was the demand for military-themed WLA accessories, including a rare field repair kit that made $850, and a tool roll that hammered for $525. The two restored WLA motorcycles in the auction fell short of their reserve, but both were sold by negotiation soon after.

Of the other motorcycles in this auction, the top seller was a 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead. From the first year of production, this example has been subjected to a comprehensive $20,000+ rebuild. Expected to be among the top sellers at this auction, the Panhead didn’t disappoint, selling for $51,000. A later, customised Panhead hammered for $32,750, but a ’61 Duo Glide was passed in.

Finally, the rare pair of 1936 RL models – one fully restored, the other only mechanically refurbished – flipped the pre-auction expectations, with the heavily-patinated example selling for $33,500, while its as-new sibling went for $27,000.

For full results from this auction, plus details on upcoming auctions, go to: manshedauctions.com.au

NOTE: All prices exclude buyer’s premium.