1939 Harley-Davidson Model WLDD ‘WLD Special’ Period Modified.
Offered for sale is a 1939 WLDD ‘WLD Special’. In 1939 after factory rider Ben Campanale won the Daytona 200, Harley-Davidson leadership decided to introduce a new mid-year model to celebrate. This new machine was based on the model WLDR factory class C dirt track racer but would be outfitted for the road. An advertisement in the April 1939 Enthusiast touted; “It has the smoke you need for competition, yet it is ideally suited for everyday use.” It was the first Harley-Davidson model that sported both the Aluminum high-compression cylinder heads and large intake manifold only found on factory race machines. The model designation was the WLDD ‘WLD Special’. A total of only 273 were produced in the 1939 model year only.
In 2002 when the AMCA introduced their new Period Modified class, work began on this unique example. In order to build the ultimate period Hot-Rod, the only way to achieve this was to use the ultimate Harley-Davidson Hot-Rod of the day. An original 1939 WLDD basket case would provide the basis for this build. All original OEM parts were used in the construction, and faithful to the rules all parts must be within 5 years of the model year of manufacture. Correct 1939 frame, fork, WLDD engine, rear fender and gas tanks make up the core of the project. A 1940 transmission was the only major component swapped out as they have proven over time to be more reliable than the previous 1938-39 version. The handlebars are copied from early HD singles for a better profile than the original standard I-beam bars. The bike is finished in DuPont Imron FFA Blue and Cream. Dash, Speedometer, headlamp, wheels and brakes and rare narrow primary cover are all original as well.
It has a clear Wisconsin Title and is in perfect running condition. This unique Award-Winning example of a Period Modified WLDD is being offered for sale at $50,000.00.
