Is any city in the world better suited to holding auctions than Las Vegas? The US's gambling mecca regularly stages the world's top sales. And January is no exception, as a number of rare classic motorcycles go under the hammer in the city's Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
Among the sale's many highlights is this artefact of US law enforcement: a 1959 Harley-Davidson Servi Car. The classic motorcycle is appearing in the Las Vegas auction with a $19,000-24,000 presale estimate.
The Servi Car was first introduced by Harley Davidson in 1931 as a 1932 model. In response to Indian's success with their Dispatch Tow model, the Servi was powered by a tried and proven 45 Flat Head engine.
This example appearing for sale is a police department-used example. The Servi Car was used for traffic duty and was also embraced by fire departments and delivery companies, proving popular over the next few decades.
 Classic piece of Americana: the 1959 Harley-Davidson Servi Car |
In 1959, the introduction of the Hydra Glide forks improved the bike's ride, the new hydraulic fork being far superior to the previous "Springer" fork. An electric starter was then added a few years later in 1963.
Thanks to its useful design, the Servi Car had the longest production run of any Harley Davidson model. Its run lasted 42 years, ending in 1973.
This particular model has been extensively restored including "period correct" police equipment, chrome gas bars, a full windshield, spot lights, a mounted siren and police insignia. It would certainly look great in any Harley Davidson collection or, even better, a museum.
Watch this space for more news from the classic motorcycle markets. The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino began last night (January 12) and continues until January 14.
