Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands Viewing: Tues 21st July from 1pm Auction: Wed 22th July from 10am Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ Registration No: FZW 768Frame No: 211354MOT: Exempt Rare and highly collectible 1926 Husqvarna Model 180 with circa 546cc side-valve V-twin engine Restored with close attention to originality using correct period finishes throughout Seldom encountered on the open market, particularly in such complete and well-preserved condition Manufactured in 1926, this rare Husqvarna Model 180 represents an important period in the development of the Swedish marque, whose motorcycle production dates back to 1903. The Model 180 formed part of a successful lineage of in-house V-twin machines developed during the early 1920s, culminating in the refined circa 550cc side-valve engine introduced during the mid-1920s. Powered by a circa 546cc side-valve V-twin engine, the Model 180 featured robust engineering suited to the demanding road conditions of the era. Typical specification included Bosch magneto ignition, chain drive and girder forks, with power output understood to have been in the region of 12–15hp depending on specification. Influenced by contemporary American V-twin designs, yet distinctly Scandinavian in execution, the Model 180 developed a reputation as a durable and capable machine during the interwar motorcycling boom. The motorcycle is also fitted with an attractive period gas accumulator lamp to the front, a desirable early touring accessory reflecting the practical long-distance upgrades often fitted by owners during the period. This charming example benefits from an unusually well-documented Swedish history, having previously belonged to school headmaster Torsten Ljungberg, who is understood to have toured extensively throughout Europe with his wife during the 1930s, travelling as far as Italy on the Husqvarna. The machine was later acquired and restored during the early 1980s by former motocross and Formula racer Stig Jeppsson. The restoration is described as having been carried out with great attention to originality, the motorcycle being stripped completely and restored using correct period finishes throughout, including cellulose paintwork and appropriate plated, blued and blackened fittings. The fuel tank was hand-lined during the restoration by a family friend using her late father’s original coachlining brushes, the resulting finish retained for its honesty and endearing character rather than refinished to modern concours standards. Presented today in highly original and well-preserved condition, this rare pre-war Husqvarna represents a seldom-seen opportunity for collectors of early European V-twin motorcycles. PLEASE NOTE. Brought in from Sweden on a temporary basis. For UK permanent importation it will need to get a NOVA Certificate; details on the DVLA website. This normally involves paying 5% VAT on the total sale price and a fee for customs declaration paperwork. Please check these details and bear this in mind when bidding. ** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply** Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2...
