All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
1942 Harley-Davidson WLC
Motorcycle
2-cyl. 742cc/24hp
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$25,600 CAD*
+10.8%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Jun 2024
Let us watch the market for you
We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.
1941-1945 Harley-Davidson WLA/XA stats
Highest sale
$79,662 CAD
Lowest sale
$6,838 CAD
Most recent sale
$18,268 CAD
Sales
116
Photos
1 photoImage may not reflect selected vehicle.
Past sales
$29,124 CAD
1942 Harley-Davidson WLA Base
6 M
Standard
North America
Mar 18, 2025Mecum Auctions
View details
$30,800 CAD
1944 Harley-Davidson WLA Base
Europe
Feb 8, 2025Artcurial
View details
$79,662 CAD
1942 Harley-Davidson WLA Base
Standard
North America
Feb 1, 2025Mecum Auctions
View details
$43,017 CAD
1942 Harley-Davidson WLA Base
48187 M
Standard
North America
Feb 1, 2025Mecum Auctions
View details
$19,557 CAD
1942 Harley-Davidson WLC Base
Europe
Apr 20, 2024Bonhams
View details
$27,195 CAD
1943 Harley-Davidson WLC Base
51302 M
Europe
Mar 14, 2024Car and Classic
View details
Insurance
Protect your 1942 Harley-Davidson WLC from the unexpected for only $85 CAD per year**
Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy
**Figure based on a stock 1942 Harley-Davidson WLC valued at $25,600 CAD with ON rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, province and other factors. Hagerty determines final risk acceptance.
Model overview
Model description
With the Second World War well under way and with the American entry into the hostilities at the end of 1941, the U.S. Government placed orders with Harley-Davidson for a stout military motorcycle, and the 45 cubic inch sidevalve V-Twin WL model was selected. More than 88,000 examples would be built between 1941-45 with spares for an additional 30,000 bikes produced. The WL would be built as the WLA for the U.S. army, with 20,000 examples designated WLC and sent to the Canadians. Every armored division listed 540 WL bikes in its complement of vehicles.
Testing of the WLA was conducted in Louisiana and it was grueling. The Harley had to ford a stream 16 inches deep, requiring a breather as high as the gas tank, and if the bikes went too fast, water would short out the plugs. As hard as the trials were, the WLA proved immensely durable – if heavy – and served in every theater of the war. It could be dropped in the mud if the rider came under fire, and would restart when lifted upright.
The WLA was fitted with a substantial luggage rack to carry a 40 lb radio, a scabbard for a Thompson machine gun or a rifle on the right front fork, blackout lights front and rear and an engine skid plate. Oddly, the Canadian WLC bikes featured the clutch on the right, brake on the left, right-foot gearshift and the horn above the headlight instead of below it. They also lacked a rear view mirror.
About 1,000 examples of the experimental XA model were also built. It was a shaft-drive curiosity that owed much to the German Zundapp sidecar combination, with a 45 cubic inch side-valve, horizontally opposed engine and shaft drive. The inability of either the WLA or XA sidecars to function in mud prompted the speedy development of the Jeep – whose four-wheel drive was up to the task.
The WL was produced after the war as late as 1951, in civilian colors, and proved virtually indestructible. While a genuine military WLA model commands a higher price, retrofitting later WLs can be difficult since collecting the correct military options can be challenging. Either way, the Harley-Davidson WLA is one of the iconic American military vehicles of the Second World War and remains a common sight at museums and parades. Its appeal is timeless and its historical significance huge, which makes it a very popular choice for collectors.
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Common Questions
The value of a 1942 Harley-Davidson WLC can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,800 USD for a 1942 Harley-Davidson WLC in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1942 Harley-Davidson WLC at auction over the last three years was $19,557 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1942 Harley-Davidson WLC at auction over the last three years was $11,876 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 3 1942 Harley-Davidson WLCs sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1942 Harley-Davidson WLC was $15,865 CAD on August 31, 2024 by Worldwide Auctioneers.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.