1948 Harley-Davidson EL

Description

Please note: The seller will not be providing a running video. Upon finishing the restoration, he took it for a two-mile test ride to guarantee that everything was mechanically sound. He notes that it is currently on display inside his office.

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

Harley-Davidson first introduced its OHV twins with the Model E (or Knucklehead) in 1936. As American riders continued to travel faster and over great distances, the extra power and performance proved immensely popular.

Even still, as time wore on, the block had begun to show its age. Accordingly, The Motor Company went back to the drawing board and released an updated offering — the Model F in 1948.

In contrast to its predecessor, the Model F incorporated a set of distinctive pie-pan-shaped valve covers, a feature that gave rise to the coveted “Panhead” name known by Harley-Davidson enthusiasts around the world. From 1949 onwards, the bike boasted a hydraulically damped telescopic front fork, making the 1948 a unique one-year-only transition model.

Alongside the top-of-the-line FL, Harley-Davidson also sold the EL Panhead. Though visually very similar, the two models differ in their displacement. The former boasted some 74 cubic-inches (1,208cc) while the latter offered 61 cubic-inches (1,000cc).

This example is VIN: 48EL7805. The seller purchased the bike three years ago from a friend.

The odometer shows two miles, which represents the total distance covered since completion of the restoration. However, true mileage is unknown.

Maintenance:
Per the seller: the bike has undergone a “three-year restoration using very few reproduction parts. All sheet metal is OEM, the rear fender being new old stock 1948. All chrome is re-chromed original parts including the rims. Cad and parkerizing as per original.

The seat was redone by Heathers Leathers, speedo restored by John Bordas in Texas. Belly numbers match, unaltered vin titled in my name as a 1948 EL. The gas tank was professionally lined. Every component, screw, clip and sub-assembly has been restored or replaced. 6V system with correct battery.

The only upgrades are the front brake to a dual leading shoe system that looks factory to the untrained eye, a belt-drive primary conversion, and an electronic ignition thats completely hidden. The original restored front brake assembly comes with the bike. After the restoration I rode the bike for 2 miles then parked it in my office in September 2023.”

He has documented the process in its entirety and is happy to supply additional pictures upon request.

Modifications:
Dual leading-shoe brakes.

Not pictured: electronic ignition, belt-drive primary.

The sale includes the original front brake shoes.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Firestone Deluxe Champion tires with date codes of 4522 and 4522.

Cosmetic Blemishes:
Per the seller, there are no cosmetic blemishes of note.

Currently located in Minesing, Ontario, Canada, this Harley-Davidson is offered on a clean Canadian title. Have any EL stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!