1938 EL Knucklehead Survivor Brings Big Bucks
Mostly-Original Vintage Harley Gets Over $50,000 at Auction
For several years now, the classic car market has experienced quite the shift. Instead of favoring perfectly restored rides, collectors now pay big bucks for originality. Even if that means a little rust, faded paint, and pitted chrome. And if this 1938 EL Knucklehead is any indication, that philosophy has also shifted to the classic motorcycle market. We caught up with the survivor Harley on eBay, where it recently hammered for $50,299.
Even though we’re seeing more and more original vintage Harley’s popping up these days, they’re still pretty rare. A lot of folks chopped up and modified these old bikes over the years. And even ones that were left intact often feature lots of aftermarket/reproduction parts. But this ’38 appears to be at least 98% original, making it worthy of being a “Wicked-Cool Web Find.”
Much of that originality can be attributed to the fact that this Knucklehead remained in the same family since the late 40’s. The motor cases match, as do the heads. Even the rocker covers retain the original 1938 only round head screws. The transmission is also a 1938 piece, with the early style starter crank.
Though unrestored, the Knucklehead handlebars received chrome plating at some point. The frame has one repair spot near the front motor mount, and the clutch rocker pedal is from an early 40’s H-D. Likewise, the wheels come from a later model. The gas caps and saddlebags are reproduction pieces. But other than that, everything you see is original and correct.
All of which makes this 1938 EL Knucklehead one of the best examples of a survivor we’ve seen in quite a while. The owner certainly knows what he has, since the bike didn’t meet it’s reserve despite the high dollar bids. So next time you think about chopping up a classic Harley, let this be a lesson – nothing beats originality, at least when you’re talking about money.
