TREMENDOUS TWO-WHEELERS: Easy Riders, Vintage Cycles Cross the Block at Barrett-Jackson
June 14, 2018
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Magnante
This Harley-Davidson from 1942 (Lot #637.1) – a U.S. Army 42WLA motorcycle originally built for service during WWII – is among the motorcycles from the MS Classic Cars Collection that will be offered at the 2018 Northeast Auction.
With the attention on the Barrett-Jackson block often focused on all the cool collector cars and trucks, it is possible to overlook one of the most popular sub-groups at every event: vintage, limited edition and custom motorcycles. The 3rd Annual Northeast Auction at Mohegan Sun will be no exception, with Barrett-Jackson offering a fascinating cross-section of the vintage motorcycle scene – from both sides of the Atlantic – at No Reserve, the lion’s share courtesy of the MS Classic Cars Collection.
Lot #49 – 1969 Norton 750 Dunstall Atlas Motorcycle
Representing Britain’s Norton Motorcycle Company are a 1969 750 Dunstall Atlas (Lot #49) and a 1974 850 Commando (Lot #48). Just as Carroll Shelby left his mark on certain Ford Mustangs, British cycle racer Paul Dunstall built and sold completely modified Nortons, each tuned to his sensibility for improved performance and handling. Operating out of a shop in Southeast London, Dunstall converted factory-fresh Nortons to suit his customers’ tastes.
The Norton Owners Club has documented the fact this bright red unit was delivered to Dunston in 1968, where its frame was chrome-plated and custom fenders, gas tank, pegs, rear wheel, exhaust and other items added to complete the transformation. The original 750 twin was fortified with Dunston pistons, valves and cams that boosted output from 49 to 66 horsepower. With full documentation of authenticity, this tight little machine can sprint to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and run 130 mph all-out. The process of modification and subsequent shipment to the United States (as a brand-new bike) accounts for why this legitimate 750 Dunstall Atlas is registered as a 1969 unit.
Lot #48 – 1974 Norton 850 Commando Custom Motorcycle
The second Norton from the MS Classic Cars Collection is an original 850 Commando with tasteful custom touches (Lot #48). Launched in 1969 as a replacement for the Atlas, the Commando introduced a novel “isolastic” frame with rubber insulated engine mounts to reduce frame vibrations. With its trademark hemispherical combustion chambers, the Commando’s twin-cylinder 850cc outran competing British twins like the Triumph and BSA.
This example is a matching-numbers unit built new in March 1973. Like other British motorcycle exports to the United States, it is titled to match the year of its stateside arrival in 1974. Recent custom touches include a black powder-coated frame, Crystal White Tri-Coat painted tank, covers and fenders, a custom Corbin seat, braided steel hoses and Mikuni carburetors. Adding a modern feel, the traditional chrome-plated spoke wheels have been replaced with black powder-coated hoops with red pinstripes and Buchanan spokes. With only 5 test miles, this neo-retro Norton is ready to ride.
Lot #357.1 – 1946 Indian Chief Motorcycle
Working our way back across the Atlantic, it seems appropriate to remember that the Indian Motorcycle Company was based in Springfield, Massachusetts, from 1901 through 1953, less than 100 miles away from the Barrett-Jackson Northeast auction block, where this Seafoam Blue 1946 Indian Chief (Lot #357.1) will sell at No Reserve. One of only 3,621 cycles made by Indian that year, it was beautifully and correctly restored in 2018 by a noted Indian restorer in South Dakota. The original matching-numbers 1210cc Vee-Twin was totally rebuilt, and all systems have been checked out for reliable use thanks to a 50-mile validation run.
Lot #357 – 1947 Indian Chief Motorcycle
Lot #357 is another fully restored vintage Indian Chief motorcycle offered by the MS Classic Cars Collection. A 1947 model, America’s postwar recovery helped the Indian Motorcycle Company sell 11,849 units, a four-fold improvement over 1946. Refinished in its original Kashan Green livery, this iconic bike was restored by the same South Dakota Indian expert responsible for Lot #357.1 and features all of the details that made the Chief a legend. They include the skirted front and rear fenders, sprung frame, “war bonnet” illuminated front fender lamp and side-mount transmission shift lever.
America’s other motorcycle dynasty – Harley-Davidson – is represented by Lot #637.1, an actual 1942 U.S. Army 42WLA motorcycle, originally built for service during WWII. But there’s a twist. Rather than having been restored in olive drab, this clean bike has been restored to a period-correct, peacetime configuration. The tasteful gloss green and black two-tone paint contrasts with the light brown leather saddle and chromed spoke wheels, oil tank and chain guard.
1942 Harley-Davidson 42WLA motorcycle (Lot #637.1) and matching trailer (Lot #637.2)
The original 739cc Vee-Twin and 3-speed transmission have been completely rebuilt and road-tested over 100 miles to ensure reliability. But wait, there’s more! Selling with the vintage Harley is a custom single-axle open trailer (Lot #637.2) with natural wood decking and classy wide whitewall tires. Better yet, to tow the trailer and bike, a color-matched 1942 GMC CC150 3/4-ton pickup truck (Lot #637) goes with the deal (one bid takes all three items).
Lot #637 – 1942 GMC CC150 3/4-ton pickup
Like the Harley-Davidson, the truck is a 1942 model, built before the Federal government’s January 1, 1942, “freeze” order on civilian passenger-vehicle production. Like the motorcycle, this rare “Jimmy” has been respectfully reimagined while retaining most of its original components. The 228ci Straight-6 and 3-speed manual transmission have been rebuilt for reliable daily use, but the dull-painted grille and bumpers common to most 1942 “blackout” models (to conserve chromium and bright stainless for wartime purposes) have been replaced by chrome-plated items for improved eye appeal. Whether displayed on its own or with the neat trailer and vintage Harley in tow, this recently restored pickup is always the center of attention.
Motorcycles, cars and trucks all go hand-in-hand at Barrett-Jackson. Join the fun and bid today!
For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles on the 2018 Northeast Auction docket, click HERE.