c.1934 Husqvarna 990cc Model 120 SV
Frame no. 12 152
Engine no. 12 104 34

Like BSA in Britain, Husqvarana started out manufacturing armaments before turning to bicycle manufacture and, in the Swedish company's case, the production of chainsaws, sewing machines and 'white goods. Motorcycles were produced from the early 1900s using Belgian FN and French Moto-Reve engines before Husqvarna began making its owner power units in 1920. A diverse range of four-stroke roadsters was manufactured through the 1920s and into the 1930s, while in racing the overhead-valve Husqvarna v-twins often had the better of the all-conquering Nortons. In a dramatic reversal of policy, all the existing models were dropped and replaced in 1937 by just one: a two-stroke engined moped. This move saved Husqvarna, which with the coming of peace in 1945 continued with an expanded range of two-stroke models. The latter were soon making their mark in off-road competitions, starting with the ISDT and then international moto-cross, effectively establishing Husqvarna's reputation as a premier manufacturer of dirt racers. The firm secured its first European 250cc Championship in 1959 courtesy of Rolf Tiblin, but tackling the 500cc class meant using a four-stroke so one of the pre-war designs was revived and used successfully, Bill Nilsson winning the premier class World title in 1960. It would be the first of many.

The motorcycle offered here is an example of the Model 120, Husqvarna's top-of-the-range machine during the early/mid-1930s. It is essentially the same as the successor Model 130, the most obvious differences being the right-hand side front brake and gear change lever, which were switched to the left on the 130. This beautiful, un-restored Husqvarna v-twin benefits from an engine overhaul carried out by Oldtimer-Service (Thomas Martin) in 2005 (invoice on file) and has been kept on display at the Hockenheim Museum, Noteworthy features include a Bosch horn, VDO clock and a later Amal carburettor. Last used in June of this year, the machine is offered with the aforementioned invoice and an 'as purchased' photograph.