Lot # : 1 - 1957 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead -Guide $20 to $25k

Ready to ride away or rally. A rare & extremely collectable model from the last year rigid frames appeard on the Big Twins. As a development of the EL Knucklehead, by 1957 the FLH Panhead had its "bugs" worked out and all the improvements the factory made to that model had been incorporated. In many ways these last-year machines are best of breed and the best to buy for riding. The FL Panhead was introduced in 1948 with springer forks and a rigid frame, and it gained telescopic Hydra-Glide forks a year later. Eight years after that, the 1957 Panhead was the last to feature a rigid frame before the introduction of the Duo-Glide in 1958. While the Duo-Glide bought Harley-Davidson into the modern era, it was a significantly heavier than the Hydra-Glide it replaced - 60 pounds heavier, in fact. While the rigid frame was technically inferior, the saddle remained was sprung on the vertical seat tube and was very comfortable for extended riding, even over rough surfaces. Price guide on this bike is A$20 - 25,000.