1942 Harley-Davidson WLA

The Amelia Island Auction|3 March 2022, 10:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

1942 Harley-Davidson WLA
Engine no. 42WLA34678

Introduced in 1929 as a competitor to Indian's successful 750cc "flat head" v-twin, the Harley-Davidson Model D - better known as the "45" (its capacity in cubic inches) - really took off when the USA's entry into WWII created an unprecedented demand for military motorcycles, around 90,000 of the WL (military) version – nicknamed the "Liberator" - rolling off the Milwaukee, Wisconsin production lines before hostilities ceased. After rigorous testing in 1939, the US Army ordered its first batch of WLs in March 1940, with further substantial orders of machines from South Africa and Great Britain following soon after. These military Harleys benefited from the new aluminum cylinder heads fitted to the civilian version from 1939 and came with a full complement of equipment including D-shaped foot-boards, crash bars, skid plates, cargo racks and panniers. Designated WLA (Army) or WLC (Canadian-built), the Harley 45 saw action in just about every theater of war. "De-mobbed" Harleys helped meet the upsurge in demand for motorcycles in the immediate post-war years, doing much to establish the marque's reputation worldwide. However, WLA production started again in 1950 for Korean War active service having stopped after WWII, and finished in 1952.

The WLA's motor was a 45ci or 739cc, 45-degree flathead or side-valve v-twin which built itself a massive reputation for ease-of-use, both riding and maintenance, and longevity, and thus was perfect for winning wars. Developed from the earlier R-series of motors current between 1932 and 1936, the W-series, or family, of motors was arguably one of Harley's true benchmarks. "L" meant high compression (there was a low compression version – lower than the stock motor's 5:1 - but it was redundant and didn't last).

"De-mobbed" Harleys like this example traded olive-drab for glossy paint and extra chrome, helping meet the upsurge in demand for motorcycles during the immediate postwar years and doing much to re-establish the brand's reputation worldwide.

Gussied up with a dressier saddle plus a shiny primary cover, chainguard, headlight, air cleaner cover, taillight, exhaust, and crash bars, the older red paintjob accents the chrome nicely. Subject of an older restoration, this Harley has been on static display for the last several years and will require some recommissioning prior to active riding.

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