LOT 465

Property of a deceased's estate 1929 Harley-Davidson 45ci Model D Registration no. BF 8437 Frame no. 29D6777 (on plate) Engine no. 29D6777

Sold for £16,100 inc. premium

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Lot 465

Property of a deceased's estate, 1929 Harley-Davidson 45ci Model D

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Property of a deceased's estate
1929 Harley-Davidson 45ci Model D
Registration no. BF 8437
Frame no. 29D6777 (on plate)
Engine no. 29D6777

• Iconic Harley-Davidson model
• Acquired in 2018
• Corbin speedometer

Although Harley-Davidson was no stranger to sidevalve ('flat head') engines, it did not apply this valve gear arrangement to a v-twin until the arrival of the all-new 45ci 'D' (standard) and 'DL' (high-compression) models in 1929. With the introduction of the Powerplus model in 1916, rivals Indian had demonstrated that a properly designed 'flat head' could produce all the power a road rider required, so it is perhaps surprising that Harley took so long to follow suit. One of the other advantages of this new engine was that it was cheaper to produce, enabling Harley to price the new 45ci (750cc) Model D at $290, and the 45's relative affordability would prove to be an important factor during the Depression years of the early 1930s.

Production of the 45 really took off when the USA's entry into WW2 in December 1941 created an unprecedented demand for military motorcycles; around 90,000 of the WL (military) version rolling off the Milwaukee production lines before hostilities ceased. 'De-mobbed' Harley 45s helped meet the upsurge in demand for motorcycles in the immediate post-war years, doing much to establish the marque's reputation worldwide, while the civilian version remained a catalogued model until the end of 1951.

This Vintage-era Model D was acquired by the current vendor's late father in 2018. A self-employed gas turbine engineer. Motorcycles were his passion and had been from a young age. He loved the look of this Model D, so much so, it stood proudly in the hallway. This Harley previously belonged to a Mr Nicholas Julian Moss of Berkshire. Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed. The machine features a Corbin speedometer and comes with a small selection of spares to include a pair of pillion footrests, rear numberplate/light bracket, and assorted electrical wiring. Accompanying documents include a current V5C; Harley-Davidson spare parts manual and Rider's Hand Book; and a folder containing various invoices/bills, including for repair of the gearbox in 2019.

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

This lot is offered with keys.

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