Bidding for this lot will end on Tuesday, March 12th. The auction will begin at 9:00AM PDT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Wednesday, March 13th or Thursday, March 14th.

Evel Knievel's custom 1976 Harley Davidson XLCH 1000 Sportster motorcycle from Gordon Douglas' Viva Knievel! Knievel rode his motorcycle throughout the film as he performed daredevil stunts and jumps in front of audiences.

Stuntman Bud Ekins ordered nine Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 Sportsters from Dick Hutchins, owner of Los Angeles Harley-Davidson, for the production. Ekins then modified them to perform jumps with better agility and longer airtime. After production, Hutchins re-purchased the surviving motorcycles from Warner Bros., keeping this particular hog in his museum in Yucca Valley for several decades before it eventually appeared in the "Star Cars" exhibit at the San Diego Automotive Museum in 2016. This is the one and only jump bike known to have survived with Ekins' modifications still intact.

Made with a chromed steel double cradle frame, this motorcycle was lightened by removing its front fender and headlight, as well as the replacement of the original gas tank and rear fender with custom fiberglass versions. It features a vehicle identification number (VIN) of "4A23219H6" and has undergone cosmetic restoration, including being repainted by George Sedlak, who painted Knievel's original motorcycles and all the bikes in the film. The top of the gas tank features a color matte image of Knievel, similar to the ones that appear in the credits of the film. Also included is a key.

Legal transfer of title will need to take place before its delivery can be arranged. Additionally, no warranty is made or implied as to this lot's roadworthiness. This lot exhibits a buildup of grime and mild discoloration. Dimensions: 84" x 30" x 48" (213.25 cm x 76.25 cm x 122 cm)

Contains electronic and mechanical components; see notices in the Buyer's Guide.

Special shipping required; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Additional Provenance: 2015 Bill of Sale from Dick Hutchins' Hutchins Motor Sports; 2015 Letter of Authenticity from Hutchins Motor Sports; 2015 letter from The Harley-Davidson Company detailing this motorcycle's original purchase in October 1975.

Estimate: $25,000 - 50,000

View all lots from VIVA KNIEVEL! (1976)

View all lots from EVEL KINEVEL - ALL ITEMS