Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 2
1939 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead with sidecar Engine no. 39EL1994
Sold for US$36,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 2
1939 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead with sidecar Engine no. 39EL1994
1939 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead with sidecar
Engine no. 39EL1994
Engine no. 39EL1994
Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.
"Some people consider the 61 'Knucklehead' to be the bike that put Indian out of business; others claim it was the bike that save Harley-Davidson." Hugo Wilson, The Ultimate Harley-Davidson Book
"Knucklehead" first appeared in 1936, the nickname knucklehead alluding to the bulbous rocker boxes atop the engine. Although the depression had severely curtailed motorcycle sales, company management had decided in 1932 to develop a 1000cc overhead valve vee-twin with recirculating oil system. Nearly five years in development, the motorcyclists dream, more horsepower, had arrived. The knucklehead combined engine design and styling in the fashion of aircraft engines, with the higher compression EL producing 37 horsepower, enabling a stock machine to touch 100mph. Other technical features included a four-speed gearbox and a double-loop cradle frame. To Milwaukee's good fortune, the Knucklehead came to market just as the depression was on its way out. Harley-Davidson sent racer Joe Petrali to Daytona, Florida in March of 1937 who put the Knucklehead through the timing lights at 136mph. For model year 1941 the engine capacity was increased to 1200cc and designated the F series. No other motorcycle had captured the attention of American riders in the way that the knuckleheads had. They would stay in production for 12 years, and gave Milwaukee another great stride on Springfield.
Little of the early history on this example is known, but it appears to be nicely presented that was subject to an older restoration and has since been on long term display with minimal use. Finished in two-tone white over blue with a matching sidecar, it was a long-time resident of New Jersey before entering the present owner's collection. Maintained in largely static display since acquisition, recommission is recommended before active use.
"Some people consider the 61 'Knucklehead' to be the bike that put Indian out of business; others claim it was the bike that save Harley-Davidson." Hugo Wilson, The Ultimate Harley-Davidson Book
"Knucklehead" first appeared in 1936, the nickname knucklehead alluding to the bulbous rocker boxes atop the engine. Although the depression had severely curtailed motorcycle sales, company management had decided in 1932 to develop a 1000cc overhead valve vee-twin with recirculating oil system. Nearly five years in development, the motorcyclists dream, more horsepower, had arrived. The knucklehead combined engine design and styling in the fashion of aircraft engines, with the higher compression EL producing 37 horsepower, enabling a stock machine to touch 100mph. Other technical features included a four-speed gearbox and a double-loop cradle frame. To Milwaukee's good fortune, the Knucklehead came to market just as the depression was on its way out. Harley-Davidson sent racer Joe Petrali to Daytona, Florida in March of 1937 who put the Knucklehead through the timing lights at 136mph. For model year 1941 the engine capacity was increased to 1200cc and designated the F series. No other motorcycle had captured the attention of American riders in the way that the knuckleheads had. They would stay in production for 12 years, and gave Milwaukee another great stride on Springfield.
Little of the early history on this example is known, but it appears to be nicely presented that was subject to an older restoration and has since been on long term display with minimal use. Finished in two-tone white over blue with a matching sidecar, it was a long-time resident of New Jersey before entering the present owner's collection. Maintained in largely static display since acquisition, recommission is recommended before active use.
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