Classic 1952 Panhead Found on Craigslist
Restored, classic Harleys are an important link to the past. Besides that, they’re just flat-out cool.
We usually write about recent bikes here on HDForums, but we have a real appreciation for the classics. After all, Harley-Davidson is a company that’s focused firmly on its heritage. That focus comes through in even the most modern bikes that Harley-Davidson sells today.
It’s important to look back on these bikes. It’s educational, and it’s fun, too. While browsing Craigslist for our next ride, we found this beautifully-restored 1952 Harley Panhead.
The Panhead engine was Harley-Davidson’s second overhead valve (OHV) design, replacing the Knucklehead in 1948. While the Knucklehead was an important engine in Harley-Davidson history and a landmark engineering achievement for the company, it was not without its faults. Although the Knucklehead was gradually updated throughout its lifespan, the Panhead engine debuted without most of the teething problems the Knucklehead had experienced.
Perhaps this was why the Panhead has so endeared itself to old-school customizers. In fact, it was a Panhead powering both “Captain America” and the “Billy Bike” in the chopper classic Easy Rider.
The Panhead gets its name from its rocker covers, which resemble cooking pans. Up until the 1980s and the advent of the Evolution engine, each Harley engine design since the 1930 Flathead has a name referencing the shape of its rocker covers, with the “-head” suffix.
This 1952 model looks so very classy in dark hunter green with tan leather. Its chrome trim and whitewalls make it look not unlike a modern Softail Deluxe or Road King. Any way you look at it, this is about as far as you can get from the tough-guy, outlaw image that would become inextricably linked with Harley-Davidson just a few years later.
Fully restored, this bike features as many original components as possible. According to the seller, the only non-original components are the taillight, speedometer, saddlebags, and windshield. The windshield isn’t attached in the photos, but the seller assures us that it’s included in the sale.
If you’re looking to add a piece of history to your Harley garage, expect to pay around $22,000 for this bike. Would you rather have this classic Panhead, or a brand new Harley for about the same price? let us know your thoughts in our forum.
Photos: Craigslist
