1948 Harley Davidson WL45

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.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217