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: VAG 186R
Frame No: 2A24408H7
MOT: Exempt
Classic late 1970s HD Shovelhead custom
Airbrushed by renowned artist Paul Kerslake
Authenticated by artist, supplied with V5C
Harley Davidson was established in Milwaukee in 1903 and has gone on to become one of the world’s most iconic and longest running motorcycle manufacturers. Harley epitomises large-capacity cruisers that many have tried to copy but have never managed to match Harley’s image and prestige. Always sticking to their signature V-twin engine layout, as Harleys engines evolved, the distinctive shape of the rocker covers led enthusiasts to identify them with names such as “Flathead”, “Knucklehead”, “Panhead”, and “Shovelhead”. Paul Karslake was a British artist known for his versatility across various genres, often employing a photorealistic airbrush technique to create some amazing images. He created iconic portraits of figures including members of The Rolling Stones and Princess Grace of Monaco, with his works being collected by celebrities such as Sir Michael Caine, Keith Richards, and Tracey Emin. He also used his skills on guitars for rock legends Pete Townshend, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, and created some fantastic airbrushed images on custom bikes and scooters. He even custom painted a Boeing 727 aircraft, and his portrait of his then brother in law Keith Richards was the inspiration behind Johnny Depp’s character Jack Sparrow, in the Pirates of the Caribbean. A Harley V-Rod customised with Paul’s images of Beyonce on the fuel tank sold for £60, 000 at a charity auction in 2004.
This 1977 Shovelhead was custom painted by Paul in 2007 using his photorealistic airbrush technique to depict an Indian Chief’s head on either side of the fuel tank and desert scenes on the mudguards. The quality of the artwork must be seen to be appreciated. The bike has been part of an enthusiast’s small private collection for a number of years, displayed in his house, so will need some recommissioning before use. It will be supplied with a copy of an email from Paul, dated in 2019, confirming it to be his work and a current V5C. This lot presents a unique opportunity to acquire an already desirable Harley with one-off paintwork from a world renowned artist.
** 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 people)
