Overview
This 1938 Harley Davidson EL Knucklehead was featured in the 2019 Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle auction. This exquisite motorcycle was part of the MC Collection of Stockholm. This 1938 EL Knucklehead was restored for the museum by Fredrik Lange of Gothenburg Sweden under the supervision of Ove Johansson of the MC Collection.
This historic motorcycle was part of the Robert Castoro collection and is being liquidated by his estate. This EL Knucklehead is in the same quality appearance as it was presented in the MC Collection and at The Mecum auction.
This 1938 Harley Davidson Knucklehead was recently started for a potential client for a “proof of life.” Check the YouTube video attached. Also, the motorcycle was recently fine-tuned and used for a special documentary that comes out In January of 2023. So, the bike is now dialed in during a 100-mile break-in.
This motorcycle is sold on a clear California title, non-op with some accompanying paper from the auction house, including the brochure in which it was featured.
Go here to view the Mecum posting: https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0119-362341/1938-harley-davidson-knucklehead/
Check out the other bikes in the Castoro Collection
Mileage
Unknown. There were only 4 miles showing on the odometer when received by the collection. The working odometer now shows 96 kilometers.
Paint
Excellent paint and paint prep with the correct scheme for 1938.
Sheet Metal
Sheet metal is in great shape with no dings or dents.
Chrome
Good condition.
Mechanical
This powerplant is well built as delivered from the MC Collection. We do have a picture of the bike being presented to a buyer on a street scene which would indicate that it was a runner at the time. The bike is now a first kick start (if you know the drill) and it is smooth through the gears. The rare and correct 1938 transmission (early edition) is in the motorcycle which was noted during a technical inspection by knowledgeable knucklehead collectors at the auction. They could not find any non-correct parts on the bike.
Wheels & Tires
Rims: Original steel rims painted black with cadmium plated spokes and nipples & spokes.
Front Tire: Coker 400 X 18
Rear Tire: Coker 400 X 18
Title
Sold on a bill of sale. This bike has a California Title and Non-Op.
Engine # 38 EL 2162
Frame # NONE N/A
Belly Number Match
Valuation Resources
NADA: "https://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/1938/Harley-Davidson/EL-61ci/Values"
Excellent : $69,930
Very Good $36,985
Good $20,750
Hagerty Value Guide: "https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationtools/1938-Harley~Davidson-EL"
• #1 Concours $143,000
• #2 Excellent $101,800
• #3 Good $68,800
Mecum Auction 2019: Suggested range $90,000 to $120,000
Sold at hammer price of $120,000 with a total sale of $132,085.
