74 cu. in. L-head air-cooled V-Twin engine, three-speed sliding-gear transmission, chain drive, single-downtube cradle frame, leading-link front suspension with drop-forged forks, and front and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 60"

• Handsome color combination and period Corbin speedometer

• A great example of Harley-Davidson’s powerful and usable big L-head twins

Even as America’s motorcycle manufacturers began to look to overhead-valve engine designs for even greater performance levels, and the American motorcycle business stabilized and recovered as the 1930s progressed, there was still a significant market for a big and simple, yet powerful, “flathead” or L-head engine. Less fussy and able to lope along over great distances at high speeds and lower engine revolutions, side-valve engines remained the undisputed favorite of sidecar riders, delivery boys, police departments and cruisers alike.

In Europe, Brough Superior and Matchless both made huge 1,000-cc V-Twins for years, while in the USA, only Indian and Harley-Davidson offered side-valve or “flathead” engines. Not to be outdone, Harley-Davidson produced its big 74-cubic inch VL-series models from 1930 to 1940. Early problems were quickly sorted out, and Harley-Davidson expanded its color palette and added distinctive Art Deco-influenced trimmings to compensate for sluggish sales that were mostly due to the ongoing effects of the Great Depression.

From the introductory year, this 1934 Harley-Davidson VLD is powered by the famed "TNT" development of the marque’s venerable large “flathead” engine design. Beautifully restored with a very nice Teak Red and black paint scheme, this VLD is equipped with a period-correct Corbin speedometer and a horn. Formerly displayed in the noted Tony Parella Collection for a number of years, it is simply a wonderful example of the classic pre-WWII large-displacement Harley-Davidsons.