The Great Depression ravaged the entire economy of the United States, and Harley Davidson was no exception. Total production plummeted and dealers and the company struggled to survive. The 1930 model year saw the introduction of a brand new 74 CID V-Twin motor. Sidevalve design it would become known as ‘the Flathead’ in the HD lexicon. It offered a huge …
One Year Only – 1936 Harley-Davidson VLH with Sidecar
A one year only model, the VLH was arguably Harley’s ultimate flathead. This example stands out as it was ordered with several choice options: the 80 ci engine, 4-speed transmission (a $15 option), 19″ wheels/tires, speedometer, and a sidecar. It has been sitting for 3 decades but it runs and rides!
RM Sotheby’s in Paris – 1932 Rudge 500 TT
View Post1911 Harley-Davidson Model 7
1911 was a very big year in the history of Harley Davidson. The motor company expanded from 150 employees in 1910 to 550 at the end of 1911. They put out a stunning 5,625 units, more than double the 1910 production. All were model 7, and most were the 30 CID single cylinder but the Model 7 D featured a …
1912 Indian V-Twin
1912 was a very good year for Hendee Manufacturing Company of Springfield, Massachusetts. So good that the Indian brand would sell 32,000 units in 1913 to make them the largest manufacturer of motorcycles on the planet with 42% of the US market. The company didn’t officially change it’s name until 1923 when it became the Indian Motocycle (no r) Company.
1924 Indian Scout
Indian introduced the Scout in late 1919 as a 1920 model. Designed by Charles B. Franklin the Scout would continue in the Indian line up until it was interrupted by WWII as one of their most popular brands. Indian didn’t resume the Scout after the war, opting instead to give the name to an all new parallel twin model in …
1949 Panther Model 100
Established in 1904 Phelon & Moore’s first effort was a single cylinder four stroke that not only used the motor as a stressed member of the frame but was a two speed and was the FIRST completely chain driven motorcycle. Their first Panther was launched in 1924, but the Brand became Panther in 1930. The Panther model 100 was launched …
1934 Harley-Davidson CB
Harley Davidson experts. I need your help. I am researching this motorcycle, and I can’t find any information to corroborate the seller’s claim that this is a 500 cc motorcycle. Everything I can find indicates that the model C was a 750 cc and the B’s were 350 CC. Bueller? Anybody??
1947 Ariel Red Hunter
Post Sale Update: This Red Hunter sold for $6,300 after 21 bids on eBay. Val Page was the original designer of the Ariel Red Hunter in 1932 but Edward Turner had a huge influence on the line shortly before the war. By 1947 the Red Hunter (all of which had a red fuel tank and a distinctive red stripe on …
1915 Harley-Davidson Model 11F
The 1915 HD Model 11F was one of the most advanced motorcycles available on the planet. It featured an overhead valve V-Twin motor (only the intake valve was overhead-the exhaust valve remained flathead) that had an automatic oiler. A magneto was offered and the Model 11F had a proper transmission and clutch. The Model 11J offered electrical lighting but cost …
1939 Velocette KSS
By 1939 the K series Velocette featuring the overhead cam single had been in production for 14 years. The ‘39 was a Mk2 motor that was extensively and successfully raced in Europe, particularly at the Isle of Man. The KSS was a detoxified version of the racing bike that included electric lighting, illuminated speedometer, electric horn and the positive stop …
1921 Harley Davidson Model J Solo
The HD model J was introduced in 1915 with the 61 CID flathead V-twin. By 1921 there were two model J’s and two JD’s (Solo and Sidecar). The JD used a 74 CID motor and there were three variants of that motor offered: A=High Speed Police, B=High Compression for high altitude use, and E=Special Racing Motor. The J and J …
1916 Harley-Davidson Model J Twin
The 1916 Model J brought about a couple of moderate changes for Harley-Davidson. It was the first year they got rid of the bicycle pedals and featured a kickstarter, plus the styling of the tank took on a rounder aesthetic. This was also the last year Harley painted their bikes in grey before they switched to the also-iconic Olive Drab.
Incomplete – 1933/4 Comerford-Special JAP Speedway Racer
Post Sale Update: This Comerford Special sold for $5,799 after 25 bids on eBay. This vintage speedway racer is missing a whole lot of parts and I suspect it’s probably doomed to spend the rest of its life as a display piece, but just look at it! Here’s a textbook example of classic cool, even if the engine is missing …
Exquisite Trike – 1898 De Dion Bouton 1 3/4hp Tricycle
Post Listing Update: 74 bids got the action up to $38,233 but that wasn’t enough to meet reserve. It was later relisted with an opening bid of $52,000 and that got no interest. This is the oldest vehicle I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing on this site, and it’s an absolute beauty.