Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 26th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1948 Harley Davidson WL45
Estimate
£12, 000 - £14, 000
Registration No: JVU 418
Frame No: 1316
MOT: Exempt
A rare 1948 Harley Davidson WL
Registered new in November 1948
Restored a few years ago with some airbrushed paintwork
Offered with a current V5C and some spares
From the beginning of 1942 until the end of hostilities in 1945, Harley Davidson built approximately 88, 000 motorcycles for the American and allied forces, of which 80, 000 were the WLA/ WLC 45s. The machine, which was derived from the pre-war, civilian side-valve WL 45 cubic inch series, generated 23hp at 4, 600rpm on the low-grade petrol available. Canadian-built, WLC models offered the option of a hand-operated clutch, but the US-built WLAs relied entirely on foot operation. Few were civilian models from the factory, as many were repurposed war surplus.
This 1948 Harley Davidson WL is a rare survivor today as it was not a military-issue machine. A previous owner restored the WL many years ago and used it for a short time until it was sold to the previous owner. We have been informed that it was not used a great deal and was sold, due to ill health, to the current vendor in 2021. Since the current vendor's ownership, it has formed part of his collection of machines, with some light recommissioning required before putting it back on the road. The WL is offered with a current V5C, some receipts from 45 Flathead Service and a small box of parts.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
