Over the years, we’ve certainly seen our fair share of unique auction finds, ranging from vintage neon signs to exotic powerplants and even decorative household items made from actual car parts. However, in the world of motorcycles, we rarely see anything from the automotive world make much of an appearance of any kind, save for the occasional classic bike hauler. That simple fact makes this custom motorcycle up for grabs at Bring a Trailer a unique piece, largely because it’s powered by an unusual engine – the Ford Flathead V8.
This incredibly cool machine was built by the folks at Olson’s V8 Flathead Motorcycles in Maple Park, Illinois, back in 2014, and has since lived with just one owner, who has treated it to various other modifications over the years. That includes a fresh red paint job with black and gold accents, a custom steel-tube hardtail frame, a cargo rack, footboards, a side stand, a sprung solo saddle, a custom front fender, and a reproduction brass headlamp, paired with various other stainless-steel and brass hardware.
Rolling on a set of chrome wire wheels and Dunlop D404 tires, this custom bike utilizes dual disc brakes up front, a single piece in the rear, and a telescopic fork with black gaiters, which is the only suspension present on the two-wheeler. Instrumentation comes from Autometer, while Harley-Davidson provided the switchgear with which the rider controls its various functions.
Of course, the real news here pertains to what powers this motorcycle – a 1937-1940 vintage, liquid-cooled 136 cubic-inch Ford Flathead V8, which is equipped with a Holley 94 carburetor, a Mallory ignition system, a Delco 12-volt alternator, an electric starter, a brass radiator overflow tank, and twin cast-iron exhaust manifolds. Unfortunately, this cool custom creation doesn’t have a VIN, title, or registration, and as such, is being sold with a bill of sale for off-road use or display purposes only, though it would certainly make for a cool showpiece and conversation starter, regardless.
We’ll have more cool auction finds like this to share soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
Back in the 40’s into the 60’s , my grand father used to build V8 60’s for midget dirt track sprint cars. He was well known for his expertise with these engines and could really make these flathead fly.
I grew up in the era of those sprint cars in Minot North Dakota,,,,by some chance I may have known him. I wish I would have known this red bike was for sale….I would have bought it…..Back in the 1950’s I learned how to drive in a 1934 Ford truck flat head V8. My father was a service manager in a Ford dealership…… at the time he had access to Flat heads. I am looking for a V8 motorcycle to purchase anybody out there know of one PLEASE let me k
know. 830-928-3181 Ken Booth