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LOT 535

1963 Harley-Davidson 1,000cc XLCH Sportster Registration no. AJM 154A Frame no. 63XLCH1510 Engine no. 63XLCH1510

Sold for £6,900 inc. premium
Lot 535

1963 Harley-Davidson 1,000cc XLCH Sportster
Registration no. AJM 154A Frame no. 63XLCH1510 Engine no. 63XLCH1510

1963 Harley-Davidson 1,000cc XLCH Sportster
Registration no. AJM 154A
Frame no. 63XLCH1510
Engine no. 63XLCH1510

The evocatively titled Sportster has been a permanent feature of the Harley-Davidson line-up since its arrival in 1957. Intended to compete with the sportier British twins, the XL Sportster was leaner and meaner than previous Harleys and boasted an all-new overhead-valve v-twin engine producing 40bhp. At the top of the Sportster line-up sat the intended-for-racing XLCH ('XL Competition Hot'), newly introduced for 1958 and offered at first without lights or a speedometer, though those came later.

First registered in the UK in 1991, this particular XLCH has been updated by renowned London-based Harley-Davidson dealer Fred Warr, the work being carried out by Fred himself and his foreman for previous owner Nick Kinnersly. The engine was bored out to 1,000cc and brought up to racing specification, complete with high-compression pistons, S&S carburettor, and magneto ignition, though the latter has since been replaced by coil ignition in the interests of easier starting. Its owner took care of the rest of the restoration, and shortly after completion the XLCH was featured in 'All American Heroes' magazine (July/August 1995 edition, copy available). The chassis and wheels are stock, including the flanged alloy wheel rims, and we are advised that the machine is fast and smooth, the engine starting easily since its coil-ignition conversion. The current owner acquired the Harley in May 1995. Offered with a V5C and old US title.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

Pre-1970 Harley Davidson's did not feature frame numbers therefore, please disregard the frame number printed in the catalogue.

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  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
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