1937 HARLEY-DAVIDSON EL KNUCKLEHEAD Engine no. 37EL1115 • “Knucklehead • R

1937 HARLEY-DAVIDSON EL KNUCKLEHEAD Engine no. 37EL1115 • “Knucklehead • Restored • Offered From The Larry Bowman Collection The mid-1930’s ushered in the age of modern motorcycle design and styling. When Harley-Davidson introduced their new 61 OHV twin for the 1936 model year, it became a sensational hit with motorcyclists. No more antiquated looking machines, only a stealth-like motorcycle that was borne from fresh designs. Modern Harley-Davidsons can trace their styling roots directly back to this ground-breaking motorcycle. It’s hard to imagine what the motorcycle world would look like today if the OHV project had been cancelled, as it nearly happened. The 61 OHV Harley-Davidson bought many improvements to the lineup. Besides their new OHV engine, a newly designed double loop frame was rationalized across all models, and a new 4 speed constant mesh transmission improved ease of use and performance. A departure from earlier engines was the use of a single camshaft with 4 cam lobes which ran quieter and reduced gear backlash. Improvements into the 1937 model year were a result of evolutionary engineering to deal with new model weaknesses and business considerations to improve the cost of manufacturing. Harley-Davidson’s top rider, Joe Petrali, set a world speed record on a specially tuned twin carb EL in 1937, setting the bar at 136.183 mph. Petrali capped off the year by taking the National Hill Climbing Championship on an EL. The 1937 Harley-Davidson EL offered, also affectionately known as the “Knucklehead, is a stunningly restored motorcycle. Gorgeous in its black finish with red striping, the quality of the restoration sets it apart. Motor and chassis parts are correctly finished in their cadmium and Parkerized coatings, with correct parts throughout. This is an opportunity to own one of the most desirable and beautiful motorcycles ever made.