LOT 22 *N
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II 1938 Harley-Davidson 74ci Model U Registration no. not registered Frame no. none visible Engine no. 38U3540
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II, 1938 Harley-Davidson 74ci Model U
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II
1938 Harley-Davidson 74ci Model U
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. none visible
Engine no. 38U3540
1938 Harley-Davidson 74ci Model U
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. none visible
Engine no. 38U3540
If the Lot is to stay in the UK or is not exported within 90 days of sale, Import VAT at 5% on the hammer price is payable.
Announced in August 1929 as a replacement for the much loved two-cam 'pocket valve' J-type, the Model U's progenitor - the Model V - was far from an instant success. More massively built and heavier than its predecessor, the V lacked top end power to such an extent that the first examples were recalled for an extensive engine redesign. A larger crankcase accommodating heavier flywheels did the trick and, its problems solved, the V-series 'flat head' twins went on to win the hearts of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts everywhere. An 80ci (1,300cc) VLH arrived for 1935, joining the existing V and VL (high-compression) 74s.
Revised with the frame, tank and wheels of the 61ci overhead-valve 'Knucklehead', plus dry-sump lubrication, the V became the Model U for 1938. Inside the engine there was virtually nothing left unchanged: the crankpin was enlarged, connecting rods strengthened and the flywheels grew in size, while in the interests of rationalising production, the '74's bore size changed to that of the ohv '61' and stroke to that of the '80'. Improved and updated annually into the early 1940s, the old 'flat head' U series recommenced production after WW2, finally disappearing from the range at the end of 1948.
Purchased at a US auction by our vendor in 2001 (sale paperwork on file), this early Model U is an older restoration currently displaying '7' on the odometer (the scale is not identified). The engine turns over.
Offered unregistered and without registration documents. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Spring Stafford Sale
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This Lot will be auctioned on Saturday 25 April, with the auction starting at 2:30pm BST.
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Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT. |
