1947 Harley-Davidson WL Servi-Car
Newry, ME, 04261
Features:
Mileage: 1,300 after complete rebuild
Engine: 45 ci
Exterior: Blue & Black
Description:
This 1947 Harley-Davidson Servi-Car was Custom restored under previous ownership, and it was acquired by me in September 2023. I am selling it because my knees are bad, and I do not have the time to enjoy it as it should be. It is Powered by a rebuilt 45ci flathead V-twin linked to a three-speed transmission with a reverse gear, the three-wheeler is finished in blue and black with airbrushed flame graphics. Equipment includes a foot-operated clutch, a hand-shifted transmission, a 12-volt electrical conversion, a springer fork, wire-spoke wheels, Wilwood rear disc brakes, and a sprung solo seat as well as a custom cargo box with a locking lid. An oil change was carried out under current ownership.
I was given the parts and pieces of the bike at no cost from Greg's widow so I could not complain. I've built about 10 old Harley's during my life. It's a hobby I love. I don't claim to be a professional, but I know pro's who help and advise me along the way. I am 76 years old and retired. I have lived in Deadwood, South Dakota, since retiring in 2013. The Sturgis Rally introduced me to Deadwood and the Black Hills. Prior to that, I lived in Alaska for 33 years. That is where I met Greg and worked with him at Red Dog Mine. I have owned and ridden Harley’s since the late 1960's. Greg was more of a Hot Rod guy, than a biker. He had built some very cool pick up rods, etc. However, he did have a 1947 WL two wheeler that was all original including paint. In Palmer Alaska lives Ron Harvey, who owns Harvey's Classic Motorcycles. He has shipping containers full of old motorcycle parts. Panheads were his specialty and he provided me with my current Panhead project. Ron had helped me restore a K Model so I knew him to be a good guy. So Greg, myself and another friend WaIt all decided to build Servi-Cars with the help of Ron Harvey. The three of us all worked at Red Dog Mine. Greg had an amazing shop with a bead blaster, metal fabrication equipment, etc. We all helped each other with our respective projects. Along the way, Greg was diagnosed with Hep C. Over time, he got worse and ultimately we lost him. I told his widow I would complete the Servi-Car for her and spent time in his (her) shop working on it. One day when I went over she signed the title over to me and I hauled all the parts and pieces of the bike to my garage. I retired and moved to Deadwood bringing along the unfinished bike. My project was finished by that time and G reg's was a good project to have to begin my retirement. As you can see, the rear wheels are actually front knock off hot rod wheels and the disk brake conversion was a unique complex addition. The box was fabricated by Greg. I put it together after the powder coating. Because of the disk brake conversion, the box is actually wider than a stock box. The carriage bolts in the lid sometimes secured a leather ’Beast Rider' box that my dog could ride in. So your bike was built from scratch using parts from a variety of sources. It has no previous history. It was risen from the ashes, thus named Phoenix. The engine is as you know from a two wheeler. The WL and G engines are the same except for the letters stamped on the VIN. The G designation is for ServiCars
