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In a groundbreaking auction event, a historic Harley-Davidson motorcycle dating back to 1908 has shattered records by selling for an astonishing $935,000. Conducted at Mecum Auction in Las Vegas, this sale marks the highest price ever achieved for a motorcycle at auction.
The motorcycle, renowned as the "Strap Tank" due to its distinctive nickel-plated steel bands suspending the fuel and oil tanks from its frame, garnered immense attention during the late-January auction. According to reports from Vintagent, a leading vintage motorcycle auction tracker, this sale stands as a monumental moment in motorcycle auction history.
Greg Arnold, the motorcycle division manager at Mecum Auctions, expressed his astonishment at the sale's outcome, stating, "We marketed the bike well, and Harley is by far the most famous American motorcycle brand, so we had a feeling it would do well in auction, but obviously you are surprised anytime you sell the most expensive bike ever."
Highlighting the rarity of surviving Strap Tank motorcycles, Arnold emphasized the uniqueness of the bike sold by Mecum. "This bike has many of its original parts, which makes it that much more rare," he added.
According to Mecum, the bike's journey to auction was a remarkable tale in itself. Discovered intact in a Wisconsin barn by David Uihlein in 1941, the bike remained in his possession for the ensuing 66 years. Its most recent restoration was conducted by Paul Freehill of Fort Wayne, Ind., further enhancing its allure and value.
