c.1942 Harley-Davidson 739cc WLA Type III Project

Registration no. JLA 270 (see text) Engine no. 42WLA17783

In 1939 the US Army was supplied with two prototype Harley Davidsons for military evaluation and, based on tests and comparison with other machines, such as Indian and Delco, an order was eventually placed in 1940 for the first WLAs. It proved to be a success in its military role and was supplied to several countries, including Great Britain, who ordered 5000 in the early stages of World War II. It seems possible that this machine could be one of the 5000 supplied to Great Britain, as it was first registered for road use in London in August 1947, a period when we have encountered other WLAs registered for civilian use. The present owner acquired this machine many years ago from a close friend who had used the bike with its original sidecar. When he took it off the road and dismantled it, he sent the sidecar for scrap, and repainted the WLA parts in maroon and cream, before boxing the bike parts to be reassembled in the future. The vendor repainted the parts in olive drab, before boxing them once again when his work began to occupy more of his time. Work has been and gone, but he no longer has the inclination to complete the project, hence its sale. This project appears substantially complete, and a new owner has a wonderful opportunity to resurrect this great old warhorse to its former glory. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves as to the completeness, or otherwise, of the project. Documentation comprises a continuation RF60 buff log book, an original service manual, and a photocopy magazine article. It should be noted, the Vehicle Registration number does not appear on the HPI database and may have since lapsed. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the validity of the Vehicle Registration Number prior to bidding.