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• Auction House:
  Webb's
• Sale Name:
  Warbirds & Wheels
• Sale Date:
  30 Mar 2014 ~ 1pm (NZ time)
• Lot #:
  34
• Lot Description:
  1942 Harley Davidson WLA
• Notes:
  THE LIBERATOR - Harley-Davidson began producing the WLA in small numbers in 1940, as part of a general military expansion. The later entry of the United States into World War II saw production increase significantly, with over 90,000 machines being produced during the war (along with spare parts which were the equivalent of many more). Based on an existing civilian model, the WL, the WLA series at the time was the newest incarnation of the 45-cubic-inch (740cc) flathead motor and was developed from the earlier R family of 1932 to 1936. The L indicated that the motor was high compression and the A stood for Army, hence WLA. Unusually, all the WLAs produced after Pearl Harbor, regardless of the actual year, would be given serial numbers indicating 1942 production. Thus, wartime machines would come to be known as 42WLAs this being an ode to the terrible events of 1942 that ensured the US would enter and define the outcome of World War II. In army guise, the WLA was a welcome sight for anyone living in occupied Europe, as it was very often the first indication of allied presence in occupied territory; this is how it acquired the name of The Liberator. After the war, many of the WLAs in Western hands were sold as surplus and civilianised. Given the vast numbers produced for the war, the WLA became by far the most accessible and cheapest large-capacity motorcycle available. More still, the WLA filled a special place in the hearts of the thousands of returned serviceman who had endured the terrible reality of war and had relied on the awesome frontline character of the WLA. With this, the popularity of the WLA can be directly attributed to the rise of a generation of returning soldiers who were set adrift in what was then considered normal society but felt like outsiders. In response, thousands of returned servicemen cut loose and walked out the door, picked up a WLA and chopped it. It was from this conjuncture of the 20th century and this bike that the chopper and the culture that it spawned were born it seemed the WLA was also a liberator on the home front.
• Estimate:
  NZ$18,000 - 22,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.