Whether you were itching to sprint through the countryside or just needed a fast, efficient way to commute to work, there was no more stylish or thrilling way to get where you were going in 1948 than onboard a Harley-Davidson FL, as clearly demonstrated in this gorgeous, fully-restored example. Though WWII had taken a toll on the world, in America, the postwar years represented a revitalized thirst for life, and the motorcycle became a conduit for freedom, adventure and self-expression. Harley-Davidson’s first generation overhead-valve V-twin, the Knucklehead, had set a precedent for both power and design before the war, and in 1948, the Motor Company unveiled its latest flagship featuring a bleeding-edge new engine. The latest lineup of big twins, EL and FL, debuted in 1948 with a redesigned V-twin, incorporating wartime engineering advancements into the stout new package. An entirely new top-end, including larger but still lighter cylinders with internally routed oil lines, was crowned with new “cake pan” valve covers, giving the new engine its nickname of the “Panhead.” New hydraulic valve lifters were a significant improvement, providing a smoother ride and easing maintenance compared to its predecessor, while a new oil pump kept everything cool and lubricated. Given that the new V-twin was slightly taller, a new “wishbone” frame was developed and Harley’s iconic springer fork made its final appearance, making the 1948 Panheads a highly desirable one-year-only configuration. Like this arresting red example, the largest of the big twin models, the FL was Harley’s flagship in 1948, once again adorned with chrome accents and trim pieces following wartime material shortages. It featured a 74 CI (1,200cc) version of the new Panhead V-twin and a 4-speed hand-shifted gearbox, which together delivered riders comfortably to 100 MPH. Though the mechanical improvements helped usher the new Panhead into the postwar era, styling elements like the “speedball” tank emblems, fishtail exhaust, rubber-mounted handlebars and “Tombstone” taillight were carried forward from the previous year, maintaining the iconic style established with the Knucklehead. Having been comprehensively restored, this gorgeous 1948 Harley-Davidson FL has been elevated with tasteful period accessories like chrome spotlights, rear fender guards and a paint-matched tank-mounted dash. With its timeless design, innovative engineering and evocative style, this fully-restored 1948 Harley-Davidson FL remains an enduring symbol of postwar freedom, adventure and the enduring legacy of Harley-Davidson. F241 1948 Harley-Davidson EL
