1940 Harley-Davidson WLA Motorcycle with Sidecar - 750cc Flathead V-Twin, Kick Start, Leather Saddlebags, Barn Find
1940 Harley-Davidson WLA Motorcycle with Sidecar, 750cc (45ci) Flathead V-Twin, Kick Start, Indicating 76,188 Miles
Description
The Harley-Davidson WLA is one of the most iconic motorcycles of the 20th century. Known as the "Liberator," the WLA was built in the tens of thousands for Allied forces during WWII, and its rugged 45 cubic inch (750cc) flathead V-twin became synonymous with American military service. Surviving examples, particularly those fitted with a sidecar, are highly collectible among both military vehicle enthusiasts and vintage motorcycle collectors. This 1940 example predates the bulk of wartime production, making it an early and historically significant piece.
Presented in unrestored, patina-rich barn find condition, this WLA outfit retains enormous character. The motorcycle wears a civilian repaint in dark grey/gunmetal with "HARLEY-DAVIDSON" lettering in red on the tank, along with a decorative checkered flag graphic. The 45ci flathead V-twin engine appears complete with both cylinder heads and barrels intact, pushrods and chrome covers in place, and the timing cover and generator present. The springer front fork retains its original architecture. Period-correct leather military saddlebags with three-buckle closures hang from the rear, and a metal ammunition-style cargo box sits on the rear luggage rack. The sidecar is a torpedo-style civilian body finished in black with a maroon accent stripe, featuring a padded interior and a rear storage trunk. New tyres have been fitted. The speedometer reads approximately 76,188 miles. Queensland registration records confirm the chassis number and show the bike was last registered in January 2015.
Complete WLA outfits with sidecars are increasingly difficult to source. A refurbished 1942 WLA solo (no sidecar) sold for USD $35,000 on Bring a Trailer in May 2025, and restored examples with sidecars have commanded higher figures at Mecum Auctions. As a barn find with its sidecar, saddlebags, and cargo box intact, this example offers strong restoration potential or can be enjoyed as a characterful display piece with genuine wartime heritage.
Features
* 750cc (45ci) flathead V-twin engine
* Kick-start operation
* Sidecar fitted (torpedo-style civilian body with padded interior and rear storage trunk)
* Period-style leather military saddlebags with three-buckle closures
* Metal ammunition/cargo box on rear luggage rack
* Springer front fork suspension
* Chrome rear crash bar/bumper
* Twin rear tail lights
* Clear windscreen with chrome frame
* Auxiliary/spot lights flanking the headlight
* Brass/gold-finished bulb horn on nacelle
* New tyres fitted
* "Around Australia Anniversary Ride" sticker on sidecar
* Queensland registration history confirmed (last registered January 2015)
Condition Notes
* Barn find condition, not currently running
* Non-original civilian paint scheme (not military olive drab)
* Chrome on forks and crash bars is universally dulled and hazed
* Front fender leading edge shows bare metal and surface rust
* Instrument nacelle shows active surface corrosion around filler caps
* Sidecar seat has a visible split in the centre cushion
* Leather saddlebags are heavily worn, dry, and sagging
* Sidecar wheel rim shows surface corrosion and paint chipping
* Metal cargo box on rear rack shows significant surface corrosion
* Solo seat leather shows surface cracking and wear
* Aftermarket rectangular mirror fitted (non-period)
* Registration expired since January 2015
Specifications
Year: 1940
Make/Model: Harley-Davidson WLA
Body: Motorcycle with Sidecar
Engine: 750cc (45ci) Flathead V-Twin Petrol
Transmission: Manual
Odometer: Indicating 76,188 Miles
Seating: Rider plus sidecar passenger
Location: 18 Paradise Road, Acacia Ridge, QLD
Engine No: 40W1681
VIN: Q1NVAAA402001
If you have any questions relating to this vehicle, or if you would like to arrange a physical or virtual inspection, please contact Taig directly on 0438 626 472
Lloyds Stock# 585589+1
#CCALL
#CCUSA
Location of item: 18 Paradise Road, Acacia Ridge, QLD, Australia
** This vendor is not registered for GST - therefore GST is not applicable on this asset **
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
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