This Lot has arrived in the UK from overseas under Temporary Admission. Shippio Ltd must automatically uplift this Lot after the auction, complete all post sale import or export customs administration, and store this Lot until it is customs cleared. A compulsory fee of £350 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this. This Lot cannot be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any alternative transporter.

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.

"In an attempt to bring diversity and excitement to the line, Harley added an entirely new model in the latter part of the (1919) season... The new motor was of the sidevalve variety, and looked like nothing seen before in a Harley dealership. The 6hp motor was mated to a three-speed transmission, and easy maintenance was a key selling point." - Doug Mitchell, Standard Catalog of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.

Inspired by the British Douglas, which likewise used a horizontally-opposed, twin-cylinder engine, the Harley-Davidson Model W Sport would prove more popular in Europe than America, where the v-twin engine held sway. The Model W was introduced in 1919 and, like Douglas, Harley set its engine lengthways in the frame. Displacing 584cc, the 6hp twin was installed in a frame of the 'keystone' type, open at the bottom, which used the engine as a stressed element, while other noteworthy features included geared primary drive and a unique type of front fork. Although not overly powerful, the Model W handled well and possessed a decent turn of speed, as evidenced by a number of record-breaking achievements including a new best time for the 'Three Flags' run from Canada to Mexico. Despite these successes the American motorcycling public remained unconvinced of the Model W's virtues, and H-D pulled the plug on this promising design after only a few seasons. Production ended in 1923, by which time 9,883 machines had been built, of which it is estimated that only 60-or-so are on the road today.

First registered on 30th June 1920 and offered from a private collection in Amsterdam, this rare Harley-Davidson Model W was in unrestored original condition when acquired. According to paperwork on file: "The vehicle underwent a full restoration in the Netherlands. The motorcycle was disassembled, all original mechanical components were inspected, cleaned and overhauled, and the vehicle was reassembled using its own original parts throughout. No reproduction or substitute parts were introduced where possible."

The professional ground-upwards restoration was completed in 2010, following which the Harley was re-registered in the Netherlands in August 2012. Full documentation of the restoration accompanies the machine; pre-restoration photographs on file record its condition prior to the work and confirm the survival of all major original components. The motorcycle is finished in period-correct olive-green livery with red 'Harley-Davidson' tank lettering, while other features include a brown leather saddle; an original leather tool roll at the rear; and a Hine-Watt Mfg Co Columbia Model H headlamp.

The restoration is now approximately 15 years old and is not known whether or not the machine has been run since the rebuild; accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the authenticity, correctness and mechanical condition of this motorcycle prior to bidding (the engine turns over with compression). The machine comes with Netherlands registration papers and is sold strictly as viewed.

It should be noted that Harley-Davidson only began stamping numbers on frames in the 1960s. Matching the engine, this example's frame number was almost certainly stamped by a past owner to satisfy licensing, sale, insurance or customs requirements. Offered with a selection of spares including a cylinder head; con rods; crankshafts and other items, please see the images online.

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.
Key not required