1948 Harley-Davidson WLC

WOW, what can we say apart from the beautiful black and white paintwork along with the chrome work and nickel plating really gives this Harley a knockout look. The springer front end, sprung leather seat and the three lights up front, together with the leather saddlebags finish off ‘the look’ to perfection. It’s a wonderful combination of art-meets cool transport – a timeless style that has never been beaten. The black and white theme is a nod to this actual bike’s previous role in the 1996 movie version of Evita, (it was cast as a police bike, see movie stills below in the photo gallery)

Overall this is a fine example of a rarely offered bike. It’s obviously had serious money spent on it so is not ‘barn fresh’ but is all the better for that if you have any intention of using it.

This can be registered as a Historic Vehicles so VED is free and it doesn’t need an MOT of course. There is a file with the bike detailing the work which has been carried out over that last 10 years or so, with receipts.

The valves on the Flathead are actuated by four gear-driven camshafts (one per valve) and use adjustable tappets to maintain clearance between the cam lobs and the valve stems. Fuel and air are fed via a single Linkert butterfly-style carburettor, which faces the left side of the bike. Exhaust gasses are expelled via a single fishtail muffler on the right hand side.

A primary chain on the left hand side transmits power from the engine to the 4-speed transmission, which is hand shifted via a lever mounted on the left side of the fuel tank. The clutch is controlled by a foot pedal on the left hand side. A secondary chain transmits power from the transmission to the rear wheel using a brake drum mounted sprocket.

Although these weren’t made for high speeds, they do run smoothly and offer relaxed all-day cruising. They have a wonderful torquey character, great for cruising around town or taking the back roads. Although obviously designed for America, they still make sense on the UKs back roads as a relaxing (and licence-saving) alternative to today’s modern performance bikes.

The bike includes receipts from May 14 for a 770cc top end rebuild with new gaskets, retaining bolts, new fuel pipes, clutch pushrod seal, and a new clutch throw bearing and arm (£640).

As with modern motorcycles, the right hand grip controls the throttle. The left hand side of the handlebar houses the front brake, retained in its original configuration on this bike - they are sometimes moved to the right hand side for consistency with modern bikes but this one retains its originality.

Shifting is via a hand lever attached to the left side of the fuel tank. A shift gate helps the rider find the gears without skipping them. The foot operated ‘rocker clutch’ pedal is used to engage and disengage the clutch and a friction disc is used to keep the clutch pedal in the heel back position, so that the rider does not have to keep his foot on the pedal when the bike is stopped.

The bike uses a "hardtail" frame with no rear suspension, though the sprung solo seat and high profile tyres help to provide a comfortable ride. There is a "springer" front end that uses external springs on the top to absorb impacts, with moveable rocker arms on the bottom to transmit the forces.

The dash is the iconic central type that Harley stuck with for over 75 years. At the centre is a large-faced speedometer and three position ignition switch with key. There are two indicator lights between the ignition switch and the speedometer which include a low oil pressure light and a non-charging generator light. 

The bike has generally been a garage keeper and has not run on the road for a few years. However we have just had it professionally checked over and the video shows it running along with its magnificent exhaust noise.

This WLC was owned for a substantial part of its life by a collector in the Charente area of France, who carried out a comprehensive restoration of both the engine and the M88 carburettor in 2011. The work was done by the renowned Legend Motor Sport of Mouans-Sartoux near Monaco, who specialise in American iron.

In February 2012 it was sold at auction in France for €18k (over £16k at today’s exchange rate) to a UK buyer and in May 2014 it underwent a complete restoration programme by Anthony Jones at Jones Custom Cycles in Surrey. Over £15,000 was spent on the bike, including stunning new paintwork to the fuel tank and front and rear fenders (£1,650), and a full reupholster plus new running board rubbers. An extensive file of receipts for work carried out comes with the bike.

The odo read 15,187km in 2011 however, it now reads 20 miles so was reset after its restoration.

This beautiful machine is in excellent condition, with an extensive file of receipts for quality work carried out. These bikes were cool in the 1940’s and they are still cool in 2020. Try parking this anywhere on a sunny day and you will see what we mean – it really does draw a crowd! It has that classic ‘first-time-around’ bobber look, with nothing there that isn’t needed but enough to draw your eye in and keep you exploring is beautiful lines. We estimate this bike will sell for between £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is always encouraged and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to to ask any questions or make observations on the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.