1957 Harley-Davidson FLH in Venice, Florida

Vehicle Description

By the mid 1940s the Knucklehead installed in Harley-Davidson's first overhead-valve twin-cylinder roadster was beginning to show its age, prompting the Milwaukee firm to engage in a wholesale revision of the engine for 1948, the new top end giving rise to the unofficial nickname "Panhead". While the engine's bottom end remained fundamentally unchanged, the top end gained aluminum cylinder heads and those distinctive pan-shaped rocker covers. Oil lines were internalized and hydraulic valve lifters adopted, an innovation that greatly reduced tappet noise and simplified maintenance. Maximum power increased to 50hp in the 74ci FL model, but the main advantage of the many improvements was greater reliability, a factor that could only extend the Harley's appeal.The "pan" featured a new "wishbone" frame incorporating bowed front down-tubes, and in 1949 gained a hydraulically damped telescopic front fork, becoming the Hydra-Glide, though this name was originally applied only to the fork and did not become an official model title until 1952. Harley's big news for 1955 was the introduction of a new high-performance FL variant denoted, as usual, by an "H" suffix. For the FLH, the Panhead motor was redesigned around stronger crankcases, producing 60hp thanks, mainly, to an upped compression ratio. This gorgeous restoration matches its purpose perfectly: rigid, hand shift FLH with Harley-Davidson sidecar. Rolling comfort, in style, for two. The seller undertook the meticulous restoration in 1998. The 74ci, 3-speed machine has been restored inside and out, nut and bolt by nut and bolt, to a standard that might be described as "better than new". Rare and glorious, this Harley sidecar rig is fun to ride.Please contact one of our expert sales consultants for the most complete information on this beautiful vehicle. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have, give you a complete walk-around, and in the process, supply you with the most detailed description of the vehicle. We gladly accept trades! We also offer 100% financing on your purchase, through only the best classic car financing companies in the business! Our customers buy with confidence. For over 30 years we have bought and sold quality classic collector cars all over the world. Contact Ideal Classic Cars, Venice Florida today!