1938 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead

Condition:	Used
Year:	1938
Mileage:	99,999
Exterior Color:	Red
Manufacturer:	Harley-davidson
Engine Size (cc):	61
Model:	Knucklehead
Warranty:	Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Sub Model (Optional):	EL
Vehicle Title:	Clear
Type:	EL
:	“Original Bike purchased in Early 1939 from the dealership, first bobbed in 1946, 1951 and 1956. All modifications done by the original owner and done from a factory original bike. No reproduction Harley parts on this motorcycle at all. modifications done with all original parts of the period, stored since Early 1960's, found in exactly this condition. Includes owners BECK Leather Jacket, Harley Riding Hat and 5 owner photos showing this bikes incredible history. Once in a lifetime opportunity to own a truly one of a kind time capsule, built around the most sought after motorcycle in the world.”
Price:	US $35,100.00
Got questions?	Ask here!

Up for sale is one of the most incredible knuckleheads have ever had the pleasure of laying my eyes on. This bike will be listed with .99 starting price and have no reserve.  The highest bidder will win this once in lifetime opportunity.  Purchased from the son of the original owner, this bike has lived its entire life from within 20 miles of the dealership it was purchased from in San Diego. purchased this motorcycle in 2015, just few short months after the passing of the original owner James D. Newell (shown in all photos).  The son gave me all of the information as he best remembered it and will do my best to relay his words here.  His father purchased the bike from the dealership on April, 29th 1939, in San Diego, CA.  Just before he enlisted in the Navy.  His father fought in WW2 and was fortunate enough to come back alive to enjoy this incredible motorcycle in the years following his return.  
The motorcycle underwent its first "bob" job in 1946.  This was the black version with the wild flames on the oil tank and gas tanks. The second version of the bike, (done in 1950/51) was the version with the scallops found on the rear fender.  This version is shown in the photo of Jim in the snow looking pretty dapper in his BECK Leather Jacket (label says "northeaster flying togs" and Harley Davidson riding cap).  Both the jacket and the hat are included in this sale, along with ALL photos shown in the listing.  I am told the jacket alone is worth around 2K.  The third and final interation of this motorcycle was completed in 1956/57, when the paint was changed to red/yellow, with the tear drop shapes on the gas and oil tank. The stock dash (whereabouts unknown) was removed and replaced with an aluminum plate he hand made with the bars being switched to the popular and incredibly sought after "Stelling Hellings" offset riser/bar combination.  
The paperwork (title), which is clear and original, was reissued in 1945 when Jim moved, and the son couldn't tell me why this was done, but as you can see it shows the original purchase date and that of the reissue date.  The bike has all the original factory parts, and other than the bobbed front fender made from an old Model wheel cover, Stelling Hellings risers/bars, custom dash and aftermarket LYCETT foot nest passenger pegs (mounted at rear of frame), and modified original exhaust pipe, this bike is 100% original.  The frame is correct 1938 straight leg with the early welded rear brake stay and Hallmark in the neck webbing and PERFECT lower tubes (not all dented up), original 1938 split fuel tanks, Hallmark front springer leg, CycleRay headlamp with original #17 glass lens, Early narrow primary cover, early stamped top oil bag with smooth welded bottom, early non vented solo seat, early tool box, Linkert M5 bolt with J-Slot air cleaner cover, welded piece clutch actuator arm, early front brake lever, early "tall" Eaton gas caps,early narrow rib engine skid plate, ride control and steering dampener.  
The things worth noting are as follows:  The bike has user modified headlight mount, mis-matched floorboards (one rectangular and one half moon shaped), user modified dash plate, front fender reversed and bolted as rear fender, bobbed Model tire cover front fender, Crocker "limp dick" tail lamp (missing lens), user modified rocker clutch, Stelling Hellings Risers and Bars, snap throttle with jackhammer grips, wheels are not "stepped" star hubs, but are standard 40's star hubs laced to early Kelsey Hayes hoops.  Tires have been replaced as the ones it was purchased with were completely cracked in half and ruined making the bike near impossible to move around.
The engine of this amazing bike is 100% original, matching belly's with perfect un-altered vin boss.  The engine has had no visible repairs, original smooth top pushrod tube covers, fin cylinders, 1938 heads, rocker boxes, baby butt manifold, flat top tappet blocks, early timer and original Bolt M5 carburetor and Champion #3 spark plugs.  When the cam cover was switched to finned cover is unknown, but is guessed to have been in the 50's.  The son is unsure the engine has ever been removed from this motorcycle, and all mounting hardware is correct with castle nuts and cotter pins still intact. The engine has compression, and turns over freely.  The bike also shifts through the gears, has functional front and rear brake, and the clutch operates freely.  We have not tried to fire this motorcycle, or tested any of the electrical components.  We have no reason to think it will not start, with fresh gas, oil and points/coil check, but we are going to leave that experience to the new owner. 
The bike was rolled into the garage of his fathers house in 1960/61 and parked exactly as we found it. The bike was to be uncovered 57 years later, and the photo of it in the garage is exactly as it was found that day.  A true barn find with an incredible history.  Please contact me directly if you need any more photos, or details about this bike. 
Bike is currently at my facility in Ventura, CA and can be picked up in person, or shipped internationally.  I ship bikes monthly, so if you need assistance, we can help, but shipping is 100% the responsibility of the buyer and we would prefer if you have the capacity to make your own arrangements.  Bike can be delivered to the greater LA area, but shipper pick up is preferred. Deposit of $1700 is due immediately at auction end, and remaining balance to be completed no later than days after the close of the auction and will be conducted by personal check, bank check, wire transfer or cash in person. Bike will not be released until payment has cleared in full.  Title will be sent after payment is clear and personal items will be boxed and shipped to location of your choosing. Shipping of these items will be handled in separate transaction.  We do not accept any type of payment plan, or trades, so please have your ducks in row.  Bike can be stored for up to months in our showroom, but we prefer that you have the bike picked up as quickly as possible.  On Oct-10-17 at 21:00:41 PDT, seller added the following information:It has been brought to my attention that the left tank is 1940 tank and has the through petcock, something have managed to completely miss, which is my bad.  I reached out to James' son to see if he knew anything about the tank swap and he said he thinks he remembers his dad saying something about how much he hated the leaky petcocks that were originally on the bike.  The RIGHT side tank is still 36-39 tank that he just used flared nipple to attach the stock 1940 "curly cue" tank crossover line.  The Left side tank was replaced with 1940 tank and painted with the new design around 1956 as previously mentioned in the listing.  The original black paint can be seen bleeding through on the tops of the tanks.  It was also brought to my attention that the rear leg of the springer is later, 45-46 style. Jim could not tell me any information as to why his dad would have switched this leg out, but thinks it may have been due to it being bent somehow.  The front leg is the correct 1938 leg.  People have asked if the Air Cleaner is 6", and did not mention it in the listing because felt like it was fairly obvious it is not, but no, it is not 6" air cleaner cover.  This is the J-Slot 7" cover and the whereabouts of the original cover is unknown.  I have photos of all of these details, along with photos of the right side tank (showing it is the correct early style) so if you need them, please ask.  I have also had numerous questions about the belly numbers, so will be removing the skid plate in the morning and taking the photos, so if you need to see those to feel confident bidding, please just ask for them.  I was able to verify this visually without removing the skid plate, but in order to get photo, need to remove the plate.  I am also incorrect about the actual year he bought the bike, which have wrongly stated as 1939, but as you can see on the photo of the title, James purchased the bike is April of 1938, not 1939.  Hope this helps with any questions and apologize if this has caused any confusion.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, will do my best to answer them.  PLEASE NOTE: THE JACKET AND HAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE SALE!  I STATE THIS TIMES IN THE ORIGINAL LISTING, BUT PEOPLE KEEP ASKING ME.  YES, THEY COME WITH IT.  ALONG WITH ALL THE PHOTOS SHOWN!  

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