The Wheels Through Time Museum proudly displays two of these rare machines, which are sequentially serial numbered, 9th and 10th produced. One of these was restored on the west coast by Specialist Steve Huntzinger, the other is as originally raced by Dudley Perkins of San Francisco, California.

As the glory days of American board track racing faded, American motorcycle manufacturers looked skyward. Hillclimbing became the venue for the big three, Harley Davidson, Indian and Excelsior.

The great depression had taken its toll on motorcycle production and sales. However, the big three maintained a racing department that was essential in sustaining operations.

By 1930, Excelsior and Indian had produced a refined .45 cubic inch overhead valve (OHV) class A machine. For two years, Harley Davidson had remained loyal to the I over E 61 inch twin cams as their professional hill climb machine. However, in 1930, they produced a limited number of 45-inch specials, as the DAH. It featured an unusual fork configuration, special tanks and a twin port OHV motor. In fact, each part of the machine was unique in its production. Less than 20 machines were produced.

An interesting original photo and letter from Harley Davidson is shown below.
It is noted in the letter that the motor company saved none of its factory racing machines.

Excelsior's dominance in hillclimbing was the epitome in 1930 with factory rider Gene Rhyne, winning the National Championship on August 17th at Mt. Garfield, Michigan. Authentic documents from these glory days are now passed on. The Wheels Through Time Museum has two of these rare machines.

Both are in original condition. Serial #3 is possibly Gene Rhyne's machine and the other was owned and ridden by Andy Koslow of Chicago fame. Andy was a bicycle/motorcycle man who developed the "balanced engine" for Excelsior. It was acquired by Andy Koslow, Jr., grandson of the owner. It featured rare split tanks, probably a prototype of less than 25 subsequent built.

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Found The "Big Three" (Harley Davidson, Excelsior and Indian) were fierce competitors in the saga of American Hillclimbing history. Although Indian did not get its share of the pie, they produced several formidable models to compete in the 45, 61 and open class.

Earl Bently, collector of these machines raced during these years also. This particular bike from Earl's collection is serial #30. Probably the last of its limited production.