1907 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank Selling for an Estimated $1 Million USD

Although the founders of Harley-Davidson weren’t prominent bicycle racers or mastered engineers, they possessed an adept ability to spot a business opportunity. In 1901, 20-year old William Harley and his childhood friend Arthur Davidson set out to construct a motorbike, resulting in their single-cylinder 116cc motored pedal bike, completed in 1903. Following various prototypes and models, the company upgraded the current model to a 4 horsepower 440cc bike in 1905. These models were dubbed the “strap tank” due to their nickel-plated steel bands suspending the fuel and oil tanks from the frame. In 1907 and 1908, a further 1299 of these rare and highly-coveted two-wheeled machines were made. With a serial number 2037, a 1907 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank is now available for auction, believed to be the 37th of its run and the 94th overall. The bike is one of the best unrestored versions of its model in existence, keeping intact its original paint job and frame, and is appraised at an astounding $800,000 to $1,000,000. The Mecum auction will take place on March 20 and 21. For more information, visit Mecum’s website.