LOT 346

1944 Harley-Davidson 45ci WLA Military Motorcycle Registration no. XVV 782 Frame no. 42WLA62341 Engine no. 42WLA62341

Sold for £16,100 inc. premium

Lot 346

1944 Harley-Davidson 45ci WLA Military Motorcycle

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1944 Harley-Davidson 45ci WLA Military Motorcycle
Registration no. XVV 782
Frame no. 42WLA62341
Engine no. 42WLA62341

• Restored by previous owner
• Correct olive green US military livery
• Last run three months ago

Although Harley-Davidson was no stranger to sidevalve ('flat head') engines, it did not apply this valve gear arrangement to a v-twin until the arrival of the all-new 45ci 'D' (standard) and 'DL' (high-compression) models in 1929. Production of the '45' really took off when the USA's entry into WW2 in December 1941 created an unprecedented demand for military motorcycles; around 90,000 of the WL (military) version would roll off the Milwaukee production lines before hostilities ceased. Designated WLA (Army) or WLC (Canadian-built), the Harley '45' saw action in just about every theatre of war. 'De-mobbed' Harley WLs helped meet the upsurge in demand for motorcycles in the immediate post-war years, doing much to establish the marque's reputation worldwide. The civilian version remained a catalogued model until the end of 1951.

Although the frame and engine numbers are prefixed '42', this machine is identified as of 1944 manufacture as evidenced by the steering head forging die number (see AMCA dating certificate on file). First UK registered in 2018 and restored by a previous owner, the Harley is resplendent in correct olive green US military livery. The vendor has replaced the front mudguard with a correct original, while the horn is likewise correct for the period, as is the restored speedometer. Parts replaced during routine maintenance include oil lines, brake shoes, control cables and the fuel tap, while the carburettor has been rebuilt. The bike was repainted last year by the vendor and was last run three months ago. Modifications include a WLC handlebar-mounted clutch lever, to aid riding in town. Offered with a V5C document, DVLA correspondence and a windscreen.
Key not required

Footnotes

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Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

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