- One of two choppers used in the 1969 iconic film 'Easy Rider'; This one is known as the 'crash bike'
- Comprehensively repaired and restored after the famous crash scene by actor Dan Haggerty
- An iconic motorcycle in excellent condition
- Original Panhead Harley power plant producing 52 horsepower
- Documentation includes signed affidavits from both previous owners Dan Haggerty and Gary Graham
LOT 641
Selling on Saturday Evening
From the Lone Star Estate Collection
1952 Harley-Davidson ‘Captain America’ Motorcycle
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
'Easy Rider' is commonly regarded as the most iconic motorcycle movie of all time, for many reasons. Aside from its star-spangled cast featuring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Jack Nicholson, the appearance of a gorgeous 'Captain America' bike captured the attention of enthusiasts nationwide, to the point where it is now regarded as one of the coolest choppers ever made. Today, you have the chance to buy one of the real movie choppers - in this case, the actual bike used during the crash scene which has been faithfully and completely rebuilt and refreshed. No doubt you have seen the many reproductions and copies of this bike, but make no mistake, the chance to buy the actual movie bike makes this an incredibly unique opportunity.
Starting with the 45-degree Panhead engine is a 74-cubic-inch power plant that pushes 52 horsepower through a four-speed manual gearbox. It retains its original Panhead engine, while most everything else was stripped, bent, or extended for the custom chopper look. That meant that most creature comforts like the turn signals, front brake, seat springs, front fender, and a horn found their way to the trash bin. This custom bike is mileage exempt, with no odometer.
As is common in movies, everyone assumed that several 'Captain America' bikes made it into the film, as having mechanical problems could seriously impact filming with just a single example available. Designed and built by Cliff Vaughs, Larry Marcus, and Ben Hardy, two former police Harley-Davidson motorcycles were purchased at auction for $500 and rebuilt into two Captain America Bikes. It is reported that fellow actor Dan Haggerty was given the pieces of the wrecked Captain America, from the famous crash scene at the end of the movie, by Tex Hall after the wrapping of the film. In 1994, Dan Haggerty was introduced to the highly respected collector of celebrity vehicles, Gary Graham. Graham met Haggerty at his Los Angeles home where Dan showed Gary the motorcycle still in parts. Together, they rebuilt the Captain America bike with the intention of touring it across America. In 1996, Gary Graham liquidated many of the motorcycles from his collection including the Captain American motorcycle and two used by Ann Margret. Dan Haggerty accompanied Gary Graham to the auction sale in order to authenticate the bike. In front of a crowd of some two thousand people, Haggerty gave a speech both authenticating and verifying the history of the Captain America motorcycle. Documentation includes signed affidavits from both previous owners Dan Haggerty and Gary Graham. It was sold to Gordon Granger of Austin, Texas, for a record price at the time. It would later find its way to the highly respected Lone Star Estate Collection.
The springer front end, 14-inch-high handlebars, custom American flag tank and custom extended seat literally became icons of the custom market, showcasing the hippie movement and giving America a peek into the lives of those that wander the highways of America. A wonderful opportunity to own a piece of pop-culture Americana - an actual Peter Fonda ridden chopper that presents an entire movement and culture that lives on.
Contact Us
- Phone: +1.260.925.6789
- Toll Free: 800.990.6789
- Email: info@worldwideauctioneers.com
