1916 Harley-Davidson 1,000cc Model J & Package Truck Sidecar

Registration no. BF 7022 Frame no. L9034M Engine no. L9034M

• Sold new in 1916 with the Package Truck option
• Fully restored during 2015/2016
• Comes with a Harley-Davidson sports sidecar

Boyhood friends William S Harley and Arthur Davidson began experimenting with powered transport in the early 1900s, producing their first complete production motorcycle around 1903. Little more than a motorised bicycle, the first prototype Harley-Davidson had proved fragile, prompting a major redesign and the establishment of a reputation for ruggedness that endures to this day. Like many of their contemporaries, Harley-Davidson laid out their engine along De Dion lines. A single-cylinder four-stroke displacing 24.74ci (405cc), the latter remained in production essentially unchanged until superseded by a 30.16ci (494cc) version in 1909. Of greater significance was the appearance that same year of the firm's first v-twin, though this would turn out to be a failure and was dropped at the year's end. The twin returned for 1911 in redesigned form boasting mechanically operated inlet valves (replacing the 'atmospheric' type inherited from the single) and production really took off. Known by the sobriquet 'pocket valve', this F-head (inlet-over-exhaust) engine - built in 61ci and 74ci capacities (1,000cc and 1,200cc respectively) - would remain in production for the next 20 years.

The Harley single's transmission arrangements - direct drive by means of a leather belt - were continued at first on the twin but the need to make better use of the engine's power characteristics, particularly for sidecar pulling, prompted the introduction of a two-speed rear hub for 1914, by which time chain drive and a proper clutch had been adopted. Later that same year a conventional, three-speed, sliding-gear transmission with 'step starter' was introduced on the top-of-the-range version of the twin which, with full electrical equipment, was listed from now on as the Model JD. Periodically revised and up-dated, the Model J had gained a front brake, stronger fork and pumped lubrication by the time production ceased in 1929.

Dating from 1916, this wonderful Model J is attached to a Harley-Davidson Package Truck, a commercial load-carrier introduced by H-D in 1915. As supplied, the Package Truck was a basic cargo container mounted on a sidecar chassis, its flat sides being perfect for advertising; recognising this, the factory offered a sign-writing service to its customers, while the latter were soon adapting the Package Truck to suit the requirements of their individual businesses. The Package Truck was a runaway success and would remain in production for 42 years until replaced by that other famous Harley commercial vehicle: the Servi-Car.

This Harley-Davidson Model J was sold new in 1916 with the Package Truck option and has the optional three-speed gearbox and electric lighting system first offered on the 1915 models. Unusually, this machine retains its original and very rare Remy magdyno and its original 'hand-blown' headlamp bulb, the latter restored and in working order. We are advised by the vendor that only one other example retains its original electrical system.

The combination was treated to a complete 'last nut and bolt' restoration during 2015 and 2016; all the nickel brightwork was re-plated, the panelling repainted, and the engine and gearbox overhauled. Other noteworthy features include a Corbin speedometer and embossed Harley-Davidson leather luggage set.

Used for display at events, including Stafford in April 2016, this wonderful Harley-Davidson Package Truck should require only minimal re-commissioning before taking to the road. A restored Harley-Davidson sports sidecar, which was attached to the original chassis in the early 1920s, is included in the sale, and the combination also comes with a dating certificate and V5C document.