1947 Harley FL Sells for Big Money at Auction
A true museum piece, this classic FL hammered for just under $200k.
Special Example
A dizzying array of motorcycles crossed the block at Mecum's Las Vegas sale, as is always the case. And as usual, quite a few hammered for eye-watering prices. That includes this amazing 1947 Harley-Davidson FL, which raked in $192,500. But while every early FL is special, this one has a bit of history that makes it even more so.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Immaculate Ride
This particular FL was purchased by J.C. Burgin and placed in his museum back in 1983, prior to its restoration by Burgin at Vintage Motorcycles Northwest. The gorgeous two-wheeler is now obviously in immaculate condition and is one of just 6,893 produced in total.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this FL Knucklehead right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum.
Collector's Dream
What makes the 1947 FL even more historically significant is the fact that it was the last such model to come from the factory fitted with Harley's beloved Knucklehead, prior to the introduction of the Panhead. Now, 74 years later, it's a highly sought-after collector's piece for these very reasons.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this FL Knucklehead right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum.
Wide Array
The story of the FL revolves around designer Brooks Stevens, a Milwaukee native who began drawing as a child and grew up to pen a number of iconic designs, including the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, Jeep Wagoneer, the Miller Brewing logo, and the Robin's Egg Blue phase of 1950s kitchen appliances.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this FL Knucklehead right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum.
Long Lasting Design
Stevens also cranked out a number of impressive models while at Harley, including the Hydra-Glide, giving that bike a number of design characteristics that can still be seen on modern H-D motorcycles. These include the overall streamlined design, bucket headlight, and suspension forks.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this FL Knucklehead right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum.
Return of Chrome
The FL was another obviously iconic design that featured a few changes for the 1947 model year. They include a Red Ball tank emblem, "Two-Light" instrument cover, "Tombstone"-style die-cast alloy tail light assembly, and a new rear-to-front shifter gate (1-N-2-3-4). Plus, as wartime restrictions ended, the '47 FL also brought back a host of chrome-plated parts.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this FL Knucklehead right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum.
Slice of History
Few motorcycles can lay claim to such prominence, which is a big part of the reason why the FL is so beloved by collectors today. And in that realm, few are as correct or as beautiful as this one.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this FL Knucklehead right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum.
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