Highlights
- Beautifully patinated condition
- Extremely low mileage reading
- Original buff logbook
- Straightforward recommissioning project
The Appeal
Just as the Willys Jeep was the greatest four-wheeled hero of the Second World War, Harley-Davidson’s WL models were probably the greatest on two wheels.
The civilian WL Harley had been a popular vehicle for some time, using the famous 45ci V-twin which had been introduced with the Model D in 1929.
The WLA (A for Army) entered production in small numbers in 1940 as America was expanding its army, but production really accelerated in 1942 when she entered the Second World War.
A similar model, the WLC, was introduced for the Canadian Army, and they continued in production until the early 1950s, by which time over 90,000 had been made.
Their widespread use by the Allied Forces during the war for police and escort work, courier duties and scouting, earned them the nickname of the ‘Liberator’.
When their military service was over, many WLAs were sold off as surplus and converted to civilian specification, with eye-catching two-tone and metallic colour schemes, lots of bright chrome and the full mudguards, which were discarded for the military bikes to prevent mud accumulating.
The civilian WL Harley had been a popular vehicle for some time, using the famous 45ci V-twin which had been introduced with the Model D in 1929.
The WLA (A for Army) entered production in small numbers in 1940 as America was expanding its army, but production really accelerated in 1942 when she entered the Second World War.
A similar model, the WLC, was introduced for the Canadian Army, and they continued in production until the early 1950s, by which time over 90,000 had been made.
Their widespread use by the Allied Forces during the war for police and escort work, courier duties and scouting, earned them the nickname of the ‘Liberator’.
When their military service was over, many WLAs were sold off as surplus and converted to civilian specification, with eye-catching two-tone and metallic colour schemes, lots of bright chrome and the full mudguards, which were discarded for the military bikes to prevent mud accumulating.
This one appears to be a very well-preserved example of a WLA as it would have been immediately after conversion to civilian specification.
Many WLAs have been restored in military colours, but we think this is much more attractive and historically interesting in its present ‘oily rag’ finish.
Understood to need nothing more than straightforward commissioning, it will make a great project for the winter and be lots of fun come spring.
Many WLAs have been restored in military colours, but we think this is much more attractive and historically interesting in its present ‘oily rag’ finish.
Understood to need nothing more than straightforward commissioning, it will make a great project for the winter and be lots of fun come spring.
The History and Paperwork
- Lots of WLAs saw military service in Britain, and it appears that this bike has been in Britain for virtually the entirety of its existence
- Recorded as a government vehicle prior to demobilisation
- Following demobilisation, it received its London registration number on 1st August 1951
- Logbook suggests it was then fitted with a sidecar, but the colour was not noted
- Earliest recorded owner in 1958 one Ernest George Henri Thackeray of West Ealing
- Later purchased in 1962 by Dennis Michael Mead of Ealing and then by an Edward Tweedy of Brentford
- Purchased by the vendor, an enthusiastic motorcycle collector, in 2017, since when it has been on static display in his collection
- It is sold with its original buff logbook, the current V5, and some invoices and old MoT certificates
The Condition
- Superb patina all over
- Possibly still wearing its original civilian finish
- Excellent chrome
Presented in a very original condition, this WLA looks to us just as a ’40s Harley ought to.
The veneer of oily patina gives it such a well-used appearance that it would not look at all out of place being ridden by a member of Chino’s gang in The Wild One.
The patination may have dimmed the sparkle of the metallic blue just a little bit, but it has multiplied its character by scores.
The veneer of oily patina gives it such a well-used appearance that it would not look at all out of place being ridden by a member of Chino’s gang in The Wild One.
The patination may have dimmed the sparkle of the metallic blue just a little bit, but it has multiplied its character by scores.
There is every chance that the paint on this bike is original to its civilian conversion, although it would have been unusual to see metallic colours in 1950s Britain, so it has perhaps received some historic restoration work.
Even then, the nicely aged condition of the paint suggests that restoration, if it has taken place, was probably undertaken in the 1970s or 1980s.
Metallic or not, we can only imagine what a striking picture it must have been as it burbled through London in 1951 with its proudly American two-tone finish, bringing a spot of Milwaukee sunshine to the sepia-tone streets of Lambeth or Bethnal Green.
Even then, the nicely aged condition of the paint suggests that restoration, if it has taken place, was probably undertaken in the 1970s or 1980s.
Metallic or not, we can only imagine what a striking picture it must have been as it burbled through London in 1951 with its proudly American two-tone finish, bringing a spot of Milwaukee sunshine to the sepia-tone streets of Lambeth or Bethnal Green.
All the chrome is in very good condition, as is the seat, so it is not unlikely that they have been replated and recovered at some point but, even then, it would have been a good few years ago as they are now beginning to acquire their own very subtle patina.
The wheels are in good condition and similarly patinated, and the whole bike benefits from being tastefully accessorised with auxiliary lights, a parcel rack and an extra seat support.
The Mechanics
- Equipped with the famously strong and simple Harley-Davidson Flathead
- Excellent parts availability
- Requires basic recommissioning
As far as the mechanics are concerned, this bike is very much a case of ‘what you see is what you get’.
The engine and other components are obviously in a very nice external condition, with a lovely surface patina, but the fact that it has not been ridden for a number of years means we are unable to give any commentary on how it runs.
The engine and other components are obviously in a very nice external condition, with a lovely surface patina, but the fact that it has not been ridden for a number of years means we are unable to give any commentary on how it runs.
It has evidently been off the road for some time, since it has not been MoTed since 2005 at the latest, but the extremely low odometer reading of 29 miles does suggests that it may have received an engine rebuild very shortly before it was placed into storage.
Certainly, we are not aware of any mechanical faults and have no cause to suspect any.
As far as we can tell, this should just be a straightforward case of recommissioning. Apart from the usual service parts and perhaps some new seals, we can’t see this requiring too much expenditure to get it back on the road.
As far as we can tell, this should just be a straightforward case of recommissioning. Apart from the usual service parts and perhaps some new seals, we can’t see this requiring too much expenditure to get it back on the road.
Summary
This beautiful example of a ‘Liberator’ presents extremely well, having been preserved if not in totally original condition then as a historic restoration which has now matured to a lovely ‘oily rag’ appearance.
In such a condition, it perfectly encapsulates that nostalgic, idealised vision of America characterised by neon-lit roadside truck stops, jukeboxes and dusty old Main Streets.
In such a condition, it perfectly encapsulates that nostalgic, idealised vision of America characterised by neon-lit roadside truck stops, jukeboxes and dusty old Main Streets.
Mechanically, it should need only minor fettling, and you’ll hopefully have it on the road and ready to enjoy by next spring.
You don’t want to find yourself at a loose end during the winter months, so you’d better place a bid or two…
You don’t want to find yourself at a loose end during the winter months, so you’d better place a bid or two…
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