An experimental 1942 U.S. Army Harley-Davidson XA750 is among the rare bikes auctioned off at Shannons Sydney Spring Classic Auction in Sydney, Australia.
The bikes were part of a private hoard assembled over the course of 40 years and involved the collector himself travelling around the world to visit motorcycle museums, private Harley-Davidson collections and swapmeets seeking out rare machines. His aim was to have a Harley of each kind and type from the earliest models.
What follows are examples of the sold bikes and their realized prices...
An unrestored 1914 Model 10F V-Twin with two-speed rear hub expected to fetch up to $28,000 sold instead for a staggering $46,500. A 1929 Harley-Davidson JDH twin-cam '74' went for a liver-quivering $57,000. From the "But it's a only a Sportster Dept.", an immaculate 1977 XLCR 1000 cafe racer went for $12,000.
That experimental U.S. Army Harley-Davidson XA 750 from 1942 went for only $19,500, much to the chagrin of the owner who expected at least $22K.
Alongside the Harley collection was an array of rare British gems, all with no reserve.
The 'British Invasion' included a 1956 Triumph Tiger T100 that pocketed the owner $13,000, a 1959 Trophy 500cc - $13,000, (both with alloy engines), when the gavel fell on a pristine 1951 Triumph 5T 500cc sprung hub model it was for $14,500 and a 1969 Trident with signature raygun pipes sold for $13,500.
Other notable British bikes were two Post-war Ariels – a 1948 500cc Twin went for $14,000, a 1949 Red Hunter 500cc single fetched $13,250 and a 1971 Norton 750cc Fastback that sold for $13,500.
I feel I need to mention one car that was auctioned, a 1953 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe that sold for $79,500.
The XK120 was introduced to the buying public at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show. Every inch of the new Jaguar was sensational - from the stunning lines by Sir William Lyons to the powerful XK straight-six engine. In a world still struggling to recover from the dark days of the war, it's no surprise the XK120 soon captured the public's imagination and a strong showing in competition certainly did the XK120's reputation little harm. The XK120 was powered by an all-new 3.4-litre twin-cam six-cylinder engine developing 160bhp, enough to propel the Jaguar to a top speed of almost 120mph. Initially sold as a roadster, the range was soon expanded to include a stylish fixed-head coupe and, in 1953, a drophead coupe (DHC).
The DHC's folding top was a masterpiece of simplicity and beautifully trimmed, affording excellent protection from the elements. It was also better equipped inside than it's roadster sibling, with wind-up windows and a walnut-veneered dash. As the last variant of the XK family to arrive, the drophead coupe was unsurprisingly built in the fewest numbers and just 1,760 were made. The XK120 is still highly prized for its looks, comfort and performance and is considered one of the most collectible of all the Jaguars. Be still, my heart.
Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk
Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk
