LOT 549

Property of a deceased's estate 1959 Harley-Davidson 74ci FL Duo Glide Registration no. RSU 237 Frame no. none (see text) Engine no. 59FLH3568

Sold for £16,100 inc. premium

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 549

Property of a deceased's estate, 1959 Harley-Davidson 74ci FL Duo Glide
Registration no. RSU 237 Frame no. none (see text) Engine no. 59FLH3568

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|16 October 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Property of a deceased's estate
1959 Harley-Davidson 74ci FL Duo Glide
Registration no. RSU 237
Frame no. none (see text)
Engine no. 59FLH3568

First registered in the UK in 1989, this Duo Glide was purchased by previous owner Keith Whitehead of Hampshire at the Stafford motorcycle auction in April 1990. In June 2001 the machine was treated to a complete 'last nut and bolt' restoration by The Milwaukee Motorcycle Company of Tunbridge Wells, Kent at a total cost of £18,000 (bills and photographs available), the present colour scheme of red and white being adopted at that time. Very rare, the 'angel bags' are an original feature, while sensible modern upgrades include 12-volt electrics and electronic ignition, making the bike easier to start and more usable in modern traffic. Purchased by the late owner at Bonhams' Beaulieu sale in September 2008 (Lot 265), the 'Glide was said to have been preserved in a heated garage since restoration, covering negligible post-rebuild mileage. Not used for the last few years, the machine has nevertheless been regularly started while stored; some brightwork has been removed and not refitted (see below), and thus finishing and re-commissioning will be required prior to further use. Sold strictly as viewed, this collectible 1950s Duo Glide comes complete with panniers (detached), screen, lights, mudguard, chromed fittings and sundry other items. The machine is offered with a history file containing an old-style V5C registration document, VMCC dating letter, H-D Service Manual, the aforementioned restoration records, etc.

It should be noted that the V5C records a frame number of 47651-58, however there is no frame number present as Harley-Davidson did not stamp frame numbers until as late as 1970.
Offered with key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The frame number listed to the V5C is in fact the casting number to the right-hand rear fork.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-285) the Buyers Premium is 27.5% on the first £20,000 of the hammer price; 26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 301-336 & 401-651) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles