1952 HARLEY DAVIDSON EL 'CAPTAIN AMERICA'

This Harley Davidson ‘Captain America’ recreation is an excellent tribute to the bike made famous by the ‘Easy Rider’ movie. It is presented in very smart condition, having been built with impressive attention to detail. Like the genuine article, its engine is an early 1950s 1200cc panhead Harley V-twin motor. The odometer shows just 1,201 miles from new.

Originally titled in Kentucky, the bike found its way to British shores in 1988 and was registered in February the following year. It was sold to its previous owner by Boothill Motorcycles in 1998, when it was still in stock form.

A skilled enthusiast, the owner then set about turning a standard Harley Davidson into a replica of one of the most iconic choppers ever to grace the cinema screen, carrying out extensive modifications to make it as true to Peter Fonda’s ‘Captain America’ bike as possible. The current owner acquired it in 2015 from this gentleman’s estate, and has enjoyed it sparingly over the last five years.

Featuring a chromed frame, long raked front forks, tall ‘ape-hanger’ handlebars and tail-fin exhaust silencers, this Harley Davidson has all of the trademark chopper traits that were exposed to mass audiences when Easy Rider was released in 1969. All of the brightwork is in very smart condition, while the fuel tank has the iconic stars-and-stripes motif. Overall, the exterior presents extremely well, with the seller stating that there are no defects or blemishes on its surface.

The bike rides on chromed wire spoke wheels, which appear to be in good order, with no unsightly corrosion, buckling or other damage. Closely replicating the famous movie bike, the high-backed seat is finished in black quilted leather studded with chrome buttons, and is in great shape with only minimal wear.

Mechanically, this Harley Davidson is in sound condition; however the seller has noted that it requires some recommissioning to ensure it is in fully reliable order, and may require some help to get the motor started after being stored for the last year. Its last professional maintenance was carried out in May 2017 at 1,185 miles by Lloyd Cooper Motor Cycles of Watford, with work including the fitting of a new battery and a general service.

Now MOT exempt, this chopper’s last annual test was carried out on 12 May 2017 at 1,185 miles, when it received a first-time pass with no advisories. Its tyres are at least five years old, though are described by the seller as being in good condition and with at least 5mm of usable tread remaining.

This Harley Davidson ‘Captain America’ is a faithful recreation of perhaps the most iconic chopper ever built, and is accompanied by a photo file documenting the custom build. Presented in very good cosmetic condition, all this bike needs is a light recommissioning before it is ready to be used on the road more frequently, perhaps even taking it on an epic road trip with a friend in tow.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.