LOT 310
1923 Harley-Davidson 584cc Model WF Sport Twin Registration no. to be advised Frame no. n/a Engine no. 23WF1743
Sold for £24,150 inc. premium
Lot 310
1923 Harley-Davidson 584cc Model WF Sport TwinRegistration no. to be advised Frame no. n/a Engine no. 23WF1743
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1923 Harley-Davidson 584cc Model WF Sport Twin
Registration no. to be advised
Frame no. n/a
Engine no. 23WF1743
Registration no. to be advised
Frame no. n/a
Engine no. 23WF1743
Inspired by the British Douglas, which likewise used a horizontally opposed, twin-cylinder engine, the Harley-Davidson Model W Sport would prove more popular in Europe than America, where the v-twin engine held sway. The Model W was introduced in 1919 and, like Douglas, Harley set its engine lengthways in the frame. Displacing 584cc, the 6hp twin was installed in a frame of the 'keystone' type, open at the bottom, which used the engine as a stressed element, while other noteworthy features included geared primary drive and a unique type of front fork. Although not overly powerful, the Model W obviously handled well and possessed a decent turn of speed, as evidenced by a number of record-breaking achievements. Despite these successes the American motorcycling public remained unconvinced of the Model W's virtues and H-D pulled the plug on this promising design after only a few seasons.
We are advised that this Harley-Davidson Model WF Sport Twin has had only three owners from new. The Model W was made from 1919 to 1923, by which time 9,883 machines had been built, of which it is believed only 60-or-so are on the road today. Acquired by the previous owner in the early 1950s and used around his farm, the machine has not been registered or ridden on public roads for the last 70 years. The current vendor purchased the Harley in 2004. Over the last six years the engine has been rebuilt by a Harley-Davidson specialist, but apart from that and fitting new tyres the machine is said to be totally original. Run recently, the Harley is MoT'd to August 2020 and we are advised that a V5C Registration Certificate has been applied for. Offered with a dating certificate, this exceptional Model WF is a rare find indeed.
We are advised that this Harley-Davidson Model WF Sport Twin has had only three owners from new. The Model W was made from 1919 to 1923, by which time 9,883 machines had been built, of which it is believed only 60-or-so are on the road today. Acquired by the previous owner in the early 1950s and used around his farm, the machine has not been registered or ridden on public roads for the last 70 years. The current vendor purchased the Harley in 2004. Over the last six years the engine has been rebuilt by a Harley-Davidson specialist, but apart from that and fitting new tyres the machine is said to be totally original. Run recently, the Harley is MoT'd to August 2020 and we are advised that a V5C Registration Certificate has been applied for. Offered with a dating certificate, this exceptional Model WF is a rare find indeed.
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
We are advised by the vendor that the V5C will follow after the sale.
Additional information
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- 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
