Maybe motorcycles has never been more beautiful than the Harley-Davidsons of the 1920s. A bike from this era is for sale on Bilweb Auctions, meticulously restored to an outstanding condition.
It is Model J from 1929 that will be auctioned, a 1000 cc, 12 horse power, V-twin. When new, the price in the USA was 370 dollars, as much as a Ford Model A at the time. Harley-Davidsons ”J” was introduced already in 1915 and the biggest customer at the time was the US Army. Gradually, however, the civilian market became increasingly important. 1929 was the last year of production and only 2 286 bikes were made.
One of these found its way to Northern Sweden, to the little village of Amsele where the forester Gustaf Lindblad most probably created quite some attention with his magnificent American motorcycle.
The twin headlamps lit up the gravel country rods and the exhaust with its four pipes, a very unusual construction, made a sound that nobody could be mistaken of. If Gustaf ever reached the top speed of 138 km/h is, however, in doubt.
Through the decades the forester´s Harley travelled through Sweden and in 2003 it came to its present owner in the far South, in Blekinge. Now it was disassembled and a seven years long restoration process started. Quite a few parts were missing and were impossible to find. But with a background as a design engineer and skilled tool maker, the owner were able to make his own parts, for example the exhaust system and the cam shaft.
When the restoration was coming to an end and it was time for the paintwork, a somewhat unusual H-D color was chosen: Maroon with the sides of the fuel tank in Cream white. This was an optional color in 1929, but the absolute majority of the Model J bikes came in the classic Olive Green.
The final result was a Twenties Harley in superb condition, both from a mechanical point of view and fit and finish. The restoration was ready in 2010, but the bike was not registered until 2016. That summer it won first prize in one of Sweden’s top classic shows, Nostalgia Festival.
There is only a small number of Harley-Davidson Model J from 1929 in Sweden and this is without doubt of of the best. The auction now offers an opportunity to own one of the most desirable bikes in motorcycle history.
Bilweb Auction has estimated the value of the Model J to between 280 000 and 310 000 SEK. The auction closes December 8.
6 DEC 08:17 PER-ÅKE FRÖBERG
One of Harley-Davidson´s most beautiful models for sale on Bilweb Auctions
Maybe motorcycles has never been more beautiful than the Harley-Davidsons of the 1920s. A bike from this era is for sale on Bilweb Auctions, meticulously restored to an outstanding condition.
