Great news here at Wheels Through Time. Yet another rare find has made its way to the museum -- A 1926 Harley-Davidson S-model "Peashooter". Please read on.....its a great story.

It all started about a year ago, when we received a call from our good friend David. Dale and Dave have been friends for years, and over the past several decades have bought, sold, traded, and found some extremely rare vintage American motorcycles together. Dave mentioned he was on his way down to Maggie Valley, and that he was bringing something that Dale may be interested in. Calls like this always get Dale's imagination going, and by the time he was off the phone, I could already see the wheels in his head turning (pun intended).

Dave showed up just a few hours later, and within minutes, the three of us were crawling in and out of his truck bed  looking at rare parts.  "Come back to the trailer," said Dave, with a grin.

As he opened the rear door, we all went silent. Resting leaned up against the wall, was nearly an entire genuine 1926 Harley-Davidson Peashooter chassis. Covered with all its rust and glory, there it was....one of the rarest remaining Harley-Davidson machines on the planet. To this date, less than five are known.

After Dale saw this incredibly rare model, he and Dave made a deal, and before we knew it, he was on his way. 

This is where the story gets really good. 

When Dale and I pulled the machine into the shop, we were amazed at the bikes originality. A 1-year only racing frame, 1-year only countershaft (connects front and rear chain), original Harley racing handlebars, and the special "Peashooter" Sager fork. We quickly found a front wheel, and within an hour or so, we had it on wheels and rolling around the shop. Searching for serial numbers on the frame, which were only put on factory racing frames, we found a the number "9" in various places on the 85 year old relic, but no clue as to who originally race it.  Knowing there were only a few produced, we came to the conclusion that it was most likely the ninth built.  Such a rare piece really gets your adrenaline pumping, and he and I must have sat for an hour or two, feeling fortunate that it was now in our care. It was a great day.

As this new WTT project came into being, it became obvious that, although we had the most of the parts to complete this build, the most important component was missing -- the engine. This would prove to be quite a stumbling point, as only a handful of these machines were ever built, and so few exist today. Finding the chassis for this bike was already a once in a lifetime find....but where were we going to find the correct, 1-year only factory racing engine??? So, the project was put on hold, waiting for yet another once in a lifetime opportunity. 

Last week, Dale headed up to the Antique Motorcycle Club of America's annual swap meet and bike show in Oley, PA. Oley is always a great time, and this year, lots of rare machines were out and about during the three day event. While visiting with friends at the WTT booth, Dale was approached by a man who mentioned he'd been to the museum once before. "I knew you looked familiar," said Dale, and before you knew it, they were chatting like old friends.

"I've got a couple old bikes," he said. Dale's eye's perked up. He handed over a card with his name and phone number and told Dale he hoped to hear from him soon.

On the way back from the swap meet, Dale came across the card while paying for gas at a truck stop. Just as they were getting back on the road, he dialed up the number. The man answered the phone, and after a quick conversation, Dale asked the man where he lived. "Where are you at know?" he said...... "Well that's just 20 minutes away!"

Dale and Moe took the short detour down Pennsylvania back country roads, and soon after arrived at the house. Neither had seen the machines, nor did they know what type of bikes were there. The man spoke up, "Last time we were down at the museum, I told you one of the serial numbers, and you mentioned it was a racing engine." These were just the words that he and Myron were hoping to hear.

As the man opened his garage door, two little Harley's sat resting in the corner. On his hands and knees, Dale crouched down to check the serial numbers. "26 S 509!" he said. "I've been looking for this one!" 

It turns out that the man had the machine for about 30 years. It hadn't run in 20. At some point in its lifetime, the engine was pulled from a factory racer, and put into a road-going chassis by someone unknown.  They sat and admired the bike for some time, and by early evening Dale and Moe were on their way.

----------

 I gazed down at the serial number, and looked up with a grin. "That's the missing link!" The exact engine for the bike.  "Serial number 9!" 

After staring wide-eyed at this rarity for what could've been hours or just a few minutes, we added some gas and oil, tightened the spark plug, and kicked it over. By the third kick, the little "peashooter" roared to life, much to the surprise of everyone in attendance.

Now, having Dale as my father, I've been fortunate to witness some great finds over my lifetime. This one ranks right near the top. What are the odds of finding the exact engine that came out of such a rare machine? And who else would have the knowledge to know what it was, or the passion to take a chance at chasing down what could've been "just another old motorcycle". It makes me proud.

I'll be sure to keep you all up-to-date on the revival of this awesome machine. We've got a long way to go to bring it back to its original glory, but I'll keep you informed every step of the way.