Rusty old Harleys to fetch thousands at auction

Five rusty old, unrestored Harley-Davidson motorcycles are expected to fetch as much as $58,000 in the Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on August 25 with one already attracting international attention.

The final five bikes are from a private NSW collection of more than 60 significant Harley-Davidsons which Shannons has auctioned over the past year, attracting mounting interest from International Harley collectors.
The remaining Harleys include a very rare and unrestored circa-1923 Two Cam Board Track Racer that has already received International interest. Shannons expects it to sell in the $48,000-$58,000 range as it is one of the few original early Harley racers to survive today. Those that remain have often been extensively modified.
Also of great interest to collectors are two “project” Harleys – a circa-1912 single cylinder 500cc Harley featuring only a sprung saddle for suspension that is expected to attract worldwide interest at $38,000-$44,000 and a circa-1916 ‘5-35’ 565cc single-cylinder model in similar condition ($10,000-$16,000).
The other Harleys from the collection are a relatively complete circa-1935 model VD 1200cc V-twin in predominantly original condition ($18,000-$22,000), a well-presented circa-1947 U47 1000cc in running condition following a mechanical recondition several years ago ($18,000-$24,000) and a complete, circa-1956 KHK 883cc solo that represents a rare find in its condition ($16,000-$20,000).
As well as the Harleys, Shannons are rolling out more classic British bikes from another notable collection.

They include a circa-1947 Manx 350 ‘Garden Gate racer ($26,000-$32,000) and three important Vincents – a circa-1952 Comet Series C 500cc single cylinder ($25,000-$30,000), a hybrid circa-1949 ‘Norvin’ HRD 998cc with a Norton Featherbed frame ($28,000-$34,000) and a 1949 HRD Rapide 998cc ($38,000-$44,000).
Two other fine examples of British engineering are a rare circa-1969 Norton Commando 750S retaining its original fibreglass tank, side covers and tail light ($14,000-$19,000) and a well-presented circa-1977 Triumph 140V Bonneville 750cc ‘Silver Jubilee Edition’ that as benefitted from recent cosmetic refurbishments ($12,000-$15,000).
Meanwhile two-wheel enthusiasts will also be attracted by the four ‘no reserve’ lots in the auction that are predicted to sell for realistic prices.
They are an attractive 1961 Italian Mondial 125cc ($5,000-$8,000) and three Japanese motorcycles, all fresh from ground-up restorations: a 1977 Honda MT125R Production GP racer ($5,000-$8,000), a 1965 Marusho Lilac 250cc and a 1960 Honda C77 305cc Dream (both $8,000-$12,000).
Finally for motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors seeking extra distinction, Shannons have thee special black and white two-digit NSW ‘Heritage’ number plates in the auction: ‘18’ and ‘45′ each predicted to bring $40,000-$45,000 and ’50’, expected to sell for $50,000-$55,000.