21st Jul, 2010 14:15
The Pavilion Gardens
1942 Harley Davidson WLA45
Estimated at £10,000 - £12,000
Lot details
Registration No: LAS 424
Frame No: 2E3ST
Engine No: ZE3ST
cc: 750
MOT Expiry Date: None
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 45's. The machine, which was derived from the pre - war, civilian side valve WL 45 cubic inch series, generated 23 bhp at 4,600 rpm on the low grade petrol available and weighed 576lbs. Canadian built, WLC models offered the option of a hand operated clutch, but the US built WLA's relied entirely on foot operation.The motorcycle was equipped with a screen, rifle scabbard complimented by a front pannier mounted on the fork leg, leather panniers at the rear and a large air cleaner.
With the end of hostilities large numbers of the machines were sold of or disposed of within the theatre that they had been used, the cost of returning them to the States being prohibitive. As a result many found their way onto the civilian market, some retaining their olive drab battle dress whilst others were refinished in civvies.
This example has undergone such a transformation and was, according to the vendor, restored during 1995.It is described as having a very good engine, good transmission, electrical system, cycle parts and paintwork and brightwork.
It is offered with a quantity of spares, a Swansea V5C, a dating certificate issued by Roy Bacon, an operators manual, service manual, parts list and assembly instructions together with a number of invoices relating to the machine.
Registration No: LAS 424
Frame No: 2E3ST
Engine No: ZE3ST
cc: 750
MOT Expiry Date: None
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 45's. The machine, which was derived from the pre - war, civilian side valve WL 45 cubic inch series, generated 23 bhp at 4,600 rpm on the low grade petrol available and weighed 576lbs. Canadian built, WLC models offered the option of a hand operated clutch, but the US built WLA's relied entirely on foot operation.The motorcycle was equipped with a screen, rifle scabbard complimented by a front pannier mounted on the fork leg, leather panniers at the rear and a large air cleaner.
With the end of hostilities large numbers of the machines were sold of or disposed of within the theatre that they had been used, the cost of returning them to the States being prohibitive. As a result many found their way onto the civilian market, some retaining their olive drab battle dress whilst others were refinished in civvies.
This example has undergone such a transformation and was, according to the vendor, restored during 1995.It is described as having a very good engine, good transmission, electrical system, cycle parts and paintwork and brightwork.
It is offered with a quantity of spares, a Swansea V5C, a dating certificate issued by Roy Bacon, an operators manual, service manual, parts list and assembly instructions together with a number of invoices relating to the machine.
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 21st Jul, 2010
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