LOT 2

1950 Harley-Davidson 45ci WL Engine no. 50WL1129

Sold for US$10,925 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 2

Rare, Post-WWII 45 Solo
1950 Harley-Davidson 45ci WL

The Greenwich Auction|31 May 2026, 10:00 EDT|Greenwich

1950 Harley-Davidson 45ci WL
Engine no. 50WL1129

45ci Flathead V-Twin
Single Carburetor
23bhp
3-Speed Tank-Shifted Manual Transmission
Springer Front Fork and Rigid Tail
2-Wheel Drum Brakes

* De-mobbed military Harley
* Tastefully modified
* Fresh from long term static display
* Perfect for any 'Wild One'

THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON WL

Introduced in 1929 as a competitor to Indian's successful 750cc sidevalve v-twin, the Harley 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 rolling off the Milwaukee production lines before hostilities ceased. 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. '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, while the civilian version remained a cataloged model until the end of 1951.

THE MOTORCYCLE OFFERED

Harley Continued to produce the slightly more accessible "45" solo up until the introduction of the K-Model in 1952. Remaining relatively unchanged after 1946, they would continue to use springer front ends 10 years after the Panheads had adopted Hydraulic front ends. Not many were produced or sold as many folks adopted the K model that was sold initially tangentially with the 45 solo. Truly a seldom seen machine in Harley dealers in the 1950's let alone today. This WL, finished in white with black leather saddle and matching black saddle bags with red piping, is a former warrior now ready for life as a pacifist. Tastefully modified, it has numerous aftermarket parts added for both comfort and style.

Fresh from long term static display, it has been many years since the bike was last run. Kept in climate-controlled environs and oiled, mechanical recommissioning will be required prior to going to battle for the best spot at the next meetup.

Saleroom notices

Title in transit

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium.
For MOTORCAR property the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.
For MOTORCYCLE property the premium is 15% on the first $100,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $100,000.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Collection Notices
NOTICE TO BIDDERS: VEHICLE UPLIFT
All motor vehicle lots will be removed from the venue directly after the auction. Lots will be uplifted and held to order by Passport Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Uplift and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Passport Auto Transport
Contact: Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or
mobile +1 (314) 496 6228
[email protected]
Payment Notices
Payment Deadline:
12pm EDT on Tuesday, June 2
Contact Client Services at +1 (212) 644 9001
Shipping Notices
NOTICE TO BIDDERS: VEHICLE UPLIFT
All motor vehicle lots will be removed from the venue directly after the auction. Lots will be uplifted and held to order by Passport Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Uplift and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Special Car Dealer Notices
Some of the motor vehicles in this auction are offered with a Bill of Sale only. Please refer to the Conditions of Sale for further information and limitations regarding certificates of title.
For the Greenwich Auction, Bonhams is working in conjunction with SST Motorcars LLC, CT Vehicle Dealer N2752. For all registrable vehicles, please note buyers will not receive the vehicle title at the time of the auction. Bonhams manages the title transfer process on behalf of the buyer to ensure the car is free of liens and encumbrances. Buyers can expect the vehicle's title to be couriered within 30 business days post-sale, at which time the buyer can register the car at its destination. Titles announced as "in transit" will take additional time to be processed. All titles and any registrable documents will be shipped via FedEx from Bonhams' offices.
All historical documents and accompanying items will ship either with the vehicles or from Bonhams' offices.
For inquiries and updates, please contact Bonhams' Dealership and Compliance Manager, Jessica Chavez: +1 (323) 436 5588,
[email protected].
- Cars
- Motorcycles