LOT 115

1964 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson 175cc Racing Motorcycle Frame no. 120267 Engine no. AB1038

Sold for US$5,290 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 115

1964 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson 175cc Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 120267 Engine no. AB1038

Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1964 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson 175cc Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 120267
Engine no. AB1038

In 1960, an unlikely alliance between the Italian Aermacchi concern and Harley-Davidson resulted in the former's lightweight motorcycles being sold in the USA alongside H-D's traditional big v-twins. Marketed as Harley-Davidsons in the USA and as Aermacchi Harley-Davidsons elsewhere, the first models offered were re-badged versions of Aermacchi's 250cc and 350cc 4-stroke horizontal singles. The latter remained in the Harley range until the end of the 1974 model year, falling sales forcing their discontinuation. Aermacchi's 2-strokes also formed part of the line-up between 1973 and 1978, at which point H-D's new owners - AMF - sold off their share of the Italian concern to Cagiva. In recent years there has been an upsurge in interest in these Italian-built Harley singles, some 50,000 of which were sold in the USA during the two firms' 14-year (in total) association.

Italian motorcycles are known for their beauty and clean lines and this rare Aermacchi is no exception. Its non-traditional paint scheme makes it all the more interesting. The Aermacchi single cylinder horizontal engine can be traced back to a Moto Guzzi design of the 1930s. Good cooling from the bike's airflow and low center of gravity aided the good looks. This 175 was originally exported to Chile and was soon stripped of its street equipment and set up for road racing, albeit in an amateur field. Little is known of its history and condition and so must be offered strictly 'as-is' with the advice that it should be thoroughly recommissioned before any use.

Footnotes

Offered on a Bill of Sale

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.

Additional information

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