Post Sale Update: This Desert Master sold for $5,500 after 25 bids on eBay in Granada Hills, California.
Introduced along side the 450 CR and WR, the Desert Master was a rare sales flop from Husqvarna in the early 70s – that makes them hard to find today.
As the name suggests, they were built for racing in the wide open deserts of Southern California, which is why it came with a larger (four gallon) tank. The 456cc two-stroke motor put out a claimed 46 horsepower, more than plenty to motivate the 240 pound machine. Fueling was handled by a 36mm Bing carb, and 21″/18″ wheels were paired with Trelleborg tires to get you through sandy terrain.
This example (VIN: MJ 07152) is highly original (down to the Bing carb, the frequently-replaced alloy fenders, and even the tires). The seller claims that he’s been offered $2,000 for the tank, which features the original paint. The only unexpected cosmetic flaw would be a small crack on the top of the seat. Mechanically, everything is said to work as it should – the seller bought it for display four years ago and that’s all it has done since. It’s sold on a Bill of Sale.
Find this Desert Master for sale in Granada Hills, California with bidding up to $3,750 here on eBay.