Restored, iconic, and unmistakably Harley — this 1938 Knucklehead roars with vintage V-twin attitude and timeless American soul.
Overview
SBX Cars is proud to offer for sale this restored 1938 Harley-Davidson 61EL “Knucklehead” showing 55,991 miles at the time of this cataloging. Finished blue with a black saddle, this Knucklehead is offered by a seller in Montana with supporting documentation and a clear title.
For 122 years, Harley Davidson has been cranking out some of the most recognizable and historically significant motorcycles in the world. Named for its distinctive knuckle-like bumps on overhead rocker boxes, the Knucklehead was launched in 1936 and received notoriety for being Harley’s first overhead-valve street engine. The innovations built into the motorcycle were instrumental in Harley-Davidson gaining market share in comparison to the brand’s key competitor, Indian Motorcycles.
This 1938 Knucklehead comes from the stewardship of a Harley-Davidson enthusiast who performed a detail-oriented, frame-off restoration that retained the motorcycle’s legendary original powertrain. The work involved the application of fresh paint, a reupholstered saddle, restoration of the speedometer and generator, replacement of the tires, and much more. All that’s left to do is fire up the 61cc V-twin and enjoy the nostalgic charm that helped put Harley-Davidson on the map as a world-class manufacturer.
It is estimated that only 2,478 Knuckleheads were built in 1938 and approximately 41,000 during the production run from 1936 to 1947. Relatively few examples survive today, and even fewer still have an original V-twin engine. This 61EL has been certified by the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and is suited for any motorcycle enthusiast who wants to own a special piece of Harley history.
Specifications & Options
Exterior
- Blue paint
- Repainted
- White and orange Harley-Davidson decals and striping
- 59.5-inch wheelbase
- 565-lb dry weight
- Reinforced double-downtube truss-reinforced frame
- Swept-back handlebars
- White grips
- Single-stem spotlight
- Trademark patent placard
- Replacement floorboard rubber
- Harley-Davidson branding
- Springer front fork
- Damping adjuster
- Two-piece fuel tank
- Brightwork
- Chrome fender trim
- Dual rearview mirrors
- Hinged rear fender
- Fishtail-style muffler
- Toolbox
- 16-inch black spoked wheels
- 5.00-18 Coker tires
Interior
- Black leather saddle
- Contrast stitching
- Recovered
- Coil-sprung seat pillar
- “Skull” dash panel
- Instrumentation
- “Cat eye” chrome gauge bezel
- Warning lights
- 120-mph speedometer (restored)
Mechanical
- 989cc (61ci) Knucklehead overhead-valve V-twin
- Hemispherical cylinder heads
- 7:1 compression ratio
- Four-lobe camshaft
- Enclosed rocker arms
- Recirculating dry-sump lubrication
- Rated at 40 horsepower
- Four-speed constant-mesh manual transmission
- Duplex chain primary
- Drum brakes front and rear
- Expanding shoes
Service History
The generator has been rebuilt and the speedometer was restored by John Bordas. Also, per the seller, the oil is changed every 300 miles with Valvoline straight 60 weight racing oil.
Mileage since the restoration is approximately 1,800, with total chassis mileage of 55,991.
The motorcycle is shown to start, run, accelerate, and brake with confidence as shown in the seller’s video series.
Condition & Reports
The seller has provided a photo gallery as well as four videos including a walk-around and multiple riding demonstration. The motorcycle has reportedly been authenticated or certified by a Harley-Davidson club.
Some pitting is evident on the chrome trim, and there are other cosmetic blemishes consistent with regular use as seen in the photo gallery.
Included in the Sale
- Newsletter feature
- Magazine
- Spare engine parts
Summary
The Knucklehead was a pioneering motorcycle in history – not just for Harley-Davidson – but for the entire industry. It was the first OHV big-twin motorcycle from Harley, and it represented a huge step forward in engineering. The 1938 model is particularly desirable for its refinement like enclosed rocker arms and a reinforced frame. This Knucklehead blends iconic styling, a recent restoration and a numbers-matching engine, making it a motorcycle collector’s dream opportunity.
As part of the consignment process, SBX Cars requests a range of information from the seller pertaining to the subject of their offering. The auction listing description therefore is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. However, it is the responsibility of a potential buyer to satisfy themself as to the accuracy of the auction listing description. This includes conducting an in-person inspection, which may be arranged between the buyer and seller, as well as verifying the condition, authenticity, value, and title before committing to bid or buy. Please see our Terms of Service for full details.
Buyer's Premium
The Buyer’s Premium will be added to the final sale price and is payable directly to SBX Cars. Sales tax applicability will be determined by buyer's location.
- Buyer's premium: 5%
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