1948 Harley-Davidson 45ci WL

• Previous ownership for 50 years
• Replacement engine fitted in 1975
• Professionally restored over the last couple of years
• Rare three-speeds-plus-reverse gearbox and hand and foot clutch

Introduced in 1929 as a competitor to Indian's successful 750cc 'flat head' (sidevalve) 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 WW2 created an unprecedented demand for military motorcycles. Around 90,000 of the WL (military) version had rolled off the Milwaukee production lines before hostilities ceased, and the Harley '45' saw action in just about every theatre 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.

First registered in 1948, this Harley-Davidson '45' was fitted with its current engine (built in 1942 for a Canadian WLC) in June 1975. 'JND 248' has history going back to the early 1970s when a former owner sent the machine to famous marque specialists Warrs of London to be rebuilt and have a sidecar fitted. The then owner's intention was to ride the Harley overland to New Zealand; however, this did not come to fruition so the machine ended up being used on the owner's farm in Devon until 2021.

Fully restored since, the engine and gearbox was completely rebuilt by Damian Eggs of the Fortyfivers Motorcycle Club, the exceptional paintwork design being carried out by Skid Lidz of London. The Harley was rebuilt with all original parts with the exception of the wiring loom, exhaust, tyres and seat, while the original carburettor and generator were both fully rebuilt by a specialist. The rare three-speeds-plus-reverse gearbox and hand and foot clutch is particularly worthy of note.

The vendor advises us that the machine is in full working order and that the original registration number goes with it. The machine also comes with an A4 folder of documentation going back into the 1970s, including invoices of works carried out by Warrs.
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