A 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead stored for several decades has recently been uncovered. Consigned to this fall’s Enthusiast Collector Car Auction September 6 and 7 at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex and Chief Jim Starlight Centre at Tsuut’ina Nation, this highly desirable motorcycle has generated plenty of interest.
“Rarely in our world of old vehicles does something this cool get unearthed,” says ECCA proprietor Jeff Hill, “We’ve fielded lots of questions about this Harley-Davidson, from all over North America and beyond.”
The likelihood this Harley-Davidson will find a new home far from where it was found in Southern Alberta is very real. During COVID, Hill established a hybrid auction format. For decades, his family operated the live Okotoks Collector Car Auction. In the early days of COVID, however Hill rebranded as the Enthusiast Collector Car Auction. Each spring for the past few years at the New Horizon Mall, he’s assembled collector vehicles in one location for live viewing. Then, all bidding is done online.
“That style of auction, with the online-only bidding, has shrunk the world for us,” he explains. “At recent sales, we’ve sold a ZR1 Vette to New York, a Blazer to Florida, a truck to Missouri and stuff to Alaska and New Zealand.” Prior to COVID, Hill says he’d toured the new 7 Chiefs facility and liked what he saw. Earlier this year he went back and worked out the details that will see his ECCA event held on the fieldhouse floor of the Chief Jim Starlight Centre.
“The venue gives us a tremendous amount of parking, with the opportunity to do a fundraising show and shine that will develop funds for the 7 Chiefs Champions Athlete Development Pathway,” Hill says. “And the venue has a great deal of airiness and roominess with a built-in cafeteria. Notably, 7 Chiefs is in an easily accessible location from all points in and around Calgary.”
This 1948 Harley-Davidson is an important motorcycle, as it was the first year for the Panhead engine — so called because its cylinder heads and rocker covers looked like upside-down pans. This newer powerplant replaced the iconic Knucklehead. Further adding to the bike’s desirability is the fact it’s a one-year only model equipped with the Springer front fork. In 1949, the Motor Company began offering its Hydra Glide telescopic fork.
According to the consignor, this motorcycle was in the family for more than 50 years and belonged to their father. It wears a delightful patina and would suit a sympathetic mechanical rejuvenation. Or, as it appears mostly complete, it could be taken to the next level with a full nut and bolt restoration.
The motorcycle is just one of four or five dozen special interest vehicles available at the ECCA this September. There are two cars, donated by Jack Carter Chevrolet, that will sell with no reserve with all funds being donated to the 7 Chiefs Champions Athlete Development Pathway.
“I feel this is such a worthy cause and is in keeping with the continued acknowledgment and need for the Truth and Reconciliation direction,” Hill explains.
First is a 1996 Ford Mustang SVT Mystic Cobra. According to the Mystic Cobra Registry and Owner Association, only 1,999 Cobras of 7,492 built in ‘96 were finished in the Mystic paint scheme. The paint is unique, as it changes hue depending on light and perspective. It’s a rare car, and this example has 41,700 kilometres on its 4.6-litre V8 engine. Another car from the Jack Carter collection being sold no reserve for the charity is a 1989 Maserati 228 twin turbo coupe. With only 51,000 kilometres on the odometer, the car’s V6 engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and the front brakes have recently been serviced. Hill is happy to have consigned a rare 1966 Dodge Charger with factory 426 cubic-inch Hemi engine and 4-speed transmission.
“It’s a first year Charger with the first-year street Hemi,” Hill says. “In the Mopar world, it’s rare to get a call to market a vehicle such as this. It’s been completely restored to an exacting standard; the colour is outstanding, and the history is amazing.” The car, in Citron Gold with matching interior, was originally sold in Sparwood, B.C. The consignor bought the car out of B.C. and began the laborious restoration process in Alberta, where the Dodge is currently registered.
Check out other consignments, including a 1987 Toyota Supra with only 8331 kilometres on the clock, by visiting enthusiastauction.com.
“There’s a Hitmen game at the 7 Chiefs arena on the Friday night of the viewing,” Hill says and adds, “that gives us exposure like we haven’t seen before. We’re really looking forward to our fall auction on the Tsuut’ina Nation at the 7 Chiefs complex.”
Greg Williams is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Have a column tip? Contact him at 403-287-1067 or [email protected]
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