Post Listing Update: Despite 45 bids on eBay, bidding only got up to $16,155. Not sure why it was so low, but that was clearly not enough to meet reserve.
In ’37, Harley-Davidson introduced their “W” family of motorcycles, which got a 45 ci engine and a recirculating oil system. The WL was the high compression version (the base W was only offered in ’37 and ’38) and some people called it the Solo. In 1949, 2,289 examples of the WL were built with a MSRP of $590 – according to this Consumer Price Index calculator, that’s worth just about $6,000 today. Here’s a restored example that’s going to take quite a bit more than six grand to get into your garage.
The 45 ci engine wasn’t particularly powerful but Harley used it for 40+ years, including in the Servicar, WR races, and most importantly – the military WLA motorcycle.
This example (VIN: 49WL3314) was restored less than 700 miles ago by a previous owner. The seller says it runs great and that most of the components are original. Reproduction items include the saddlebags, front headlight, tool box, and air cleaner. Find this WL for sale in Canyon Country, California with bidding up to $10,250 and the reserve not yet met