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Details
Photo Credit: Lynne A. McCready
c1942 WL HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Frame No. 39374
Black and red with black seat
Engine: four stroke, twin cylinder, 750cc, (45ci), 25hp at 4,700rpm; Gearshift: three-speed tank shift with foot clutch; Suspension: coil sprung front and rear; Brakes: front and rear.
Harley-Davidson began making motorcycles at the start of the 20th century when Arthur Davidson and draughtsman William Harley combined their strengths and started in a small backyard shed. Soon joined by William Davidson, progress was immediate and the team incorporated the company. By 1917 production was at 17,000 motorcycles a year. In the late 1920s the company introduced the 45 cubic inch twin flathead engine, one that was to be their mainstay of production for almost sixty years. Initially the 45 was used in machines built for the war effort and 27,000 were made in 1942, an all-time high for the model.
We are uncertain of the exact history of this example, but we believe that it was imported back to the US from the USSR in pieces, having been left there in a storage depot. The machine was then rebuilt using those parts available which we think included an original frame, engine and transmission to which were added many more readily available new replacement parts as necessary. The cases are known to be non-original to the frame but are believed to be of the correct type.
WITHOUT RESERVE
c1942 WL HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Frame No. 39374
Black and red with black seat
Engine: four stroke, twin cylinder, 750cc, (45ci), 25hp at 4,700rpm; Gearshift: three-speed tank shift with foot clutch; Suspension: coil sprung front and rear; Brakes: front and rear.
Harley-Davidson began making motorcycles at the start of the 20th century when Arthur Davidson and draughtsman William Harley combined their strengths and started in a small backyard shed. Soon joined by William Davidson, progress was immediate and the team incorporated the company. By 1917 production was at 17,000 motorcycles a year. In the late 1920s the company introduced the 45 cubic inch twin flathead engine, one that was to be their mainstay of production for almost sixty years. Initially the 45 was used in machines built for the war effort and 27,000 were made in 1942, an all-time high for the model.
We are uncertain of the exact history of this example, but we believe that it was imported back to the US from the USSR in pieces, having been left there in a storage depot. The machine was then rebuilt using those parts available which we think included an original frame, engine and transmission to which were added many more readily available new replacement parts as necessary. The cases are known to be non-original to the frame but are believed to be of the correct type.
WITHOUT RESERVE
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Christie's interest in property consigned for sale.
Christie's generally offers property consigned by others for sale at public auction. From time to time, lots are offered which Christie's International Plc or one of it's subsidiary companies owns in whole or in part. Each such lot is offered subject to a reserve. This is such a lot
This lot is offered without reserve.