In early 1916 the US Military found itself involved in a conflict with the revolutionary Poncho Villa at the request of the Mexican government. It was during this conflict Harley-Davidson motorcycles were first utilized in combat by General John "Blackjack" Pershing against Villa. Equipped with sidecars and machine guns, the stage was set for the future relationship of the military and Harley-Davidson. In April 1917, as the U.S. entered WWI, approximately one third of the total production of the 1917 Harley-Davidson’s were sold to the U.S Military; in 1918 that number rose to over half of the production.

During this time period Harley-Davidson continued civilian production while fulfilling the military orders. Unlike Indian, who had made a decision to literally abandon civilian production – a decision they would live to regret.

Mid 1917 saw the introduction of the new “military drab” color, sometimes called Olive Drab, marking an end to the famous "Gray Fellow" after many years. This model T is presumed to have been a mid or late year production due to its olive green color on the crankcase and transmission.

Originally built in Milwaukee and sold to a motorcycle dealer in Sydney, Australia, it has withstood the test of time and remained an all original, complete motorcycle.

This “time machine” Model T retains many original details: Harley-Davidson decals on the gas tank, original factory paint, original Troxel seat, original pin striping on forks and rims, patent decal on the steering neck, and leather wrapped cables. IOt is also equipped with the rear brake hand lever option. After 95 years it remains effortless to start, and runs and rides very well with everything in working order.