1942 HARLEY DAVIDSON - Lot 16

1942 HARLEY DAVIDSON Type WLA Serial number: 6040043 750 cm3 To be registered as a collector's item 14 000 / 18 000 € Founded in 1903, but officially established in 1907, Harley Davidson introduced its first twin-cylinder motorcycle in 1909. The first WL was produced in Milwaukee in 1937, a highly successful 750 cc. The WL was equipped with half-tanks and the knucklehead center console. But after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, all the factory's production capacity was turned to the war effort. Apart from a few civilian models built in 1942, the factory produced only WLAs in 1943 and 1944 for the Allies. Its 45 ci "flathead" side-valve engine and three-speed gearbox found more than deserved glory on the difficult terrain of war! The model presented here has a well-known history. In fact, it migrated to Europe during the Second World War, before belonging - according to its previous owner - "to a mechanic who worked in Germany on a Canadian army base. When the base closed, he got the bike back. He installed a new engine and gearbox, which have now covered the equivalent of 3,000 kms. The bike has had just five owners since the end of the war, a particularly low figure for 82 years! Today, it's in good general condition, although it needs a little care to regain its former splendor. Its saddlebags date back to the 1950s, a roller siren was fitted, and it is fitted with many typical Harley Davidson accessories. Now ready to be put back on the road, this motorcycle had nevertheless undergone a major mechanical overhaul before being acquired by its penultimate owner. A symbol of America, a symbol of the Milwaukee-based company, this is a great opportunity to acquire one of the most legendary two-wheelers of all time. We recommend that future purchasers carry out the usual restarts required by the immobilization of these machines in the collector's museum. We recommend that future purchasers carry out the customary restarts required by the immobilization of these machines in the collector's museum. 1942 HARLEY DAVIDSON Type WLA Serial number: 6040043 750 cm3 To be registered as a collector's item 14 000 / 18 000 € Founded in 1903, but officially established in 1907, Harley Davidson introduced its first twin-cylinder motorcycle in 1909. The first WL was produced in Milwaukee in 1937, a highly successful 750 cc. The WL was equipped with half-tanks and the knucklehead center console. But after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, all the factory's production capacity was turned to the war effort. Apart from a few civilian models built in 1942, the factory produced only WLAs in 1943 and 1944 for the Allies. Its 45 ci "flathead" side-valve engine and three-speed gearbox found more than deserved glory on the difficult terrain of war! The model presented here has a well-known history. In fact, it migrated to Europe during the Second World War, before belonging - according to its previous owner - "to a mechanic who worked in Germany on a Canadian army base. When the base closed, he got the bike back. He installed a new engine and gearbox, which have now covered the equivalent of 3,000 kms. The bike has had just five owners since the end of the war, a particularly low figure for 82 years! Today, it's in good general condition, although it needs a little care to regain its former splendor. Its saddlebags date back to the 1950s, a roller siren was fitted, and it is fitted with many typical Harley Davidson accessories. Now ready to be put back on the road, this motorcycle had nevertheless undergone a major mechanical overhaul before being acquired by its penultimate owner. A symbol of America, a symbol of the Milwaukee-based company, this is a great opportunity to acquire one of the most legendary two-wheelers of all time.