export model/Export green

[eongaro75]

I'm restoring a 1947 Haley U with a sidecar and would like to ask for some information. I know that the export models were only olive green, had a speedo in km/h and had a front stand, but did it have decorative trim on the fenders? Are there any other details I don't know?

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Enrico, I am less sure that all export '47s went out in Olive Green. We have examples of 1948 export bikes in one of the three standard domestic colours. Likewise the front stand is an accessory often fitted to export bikes, but I would be reluctant to say every one had it, although it should be expected on sidecar outfits. But an Italian bike would for sure have to have a km/hour speedometer. For 1946 and perhaps early 1947 models you can see Harley were still having trouble finding chrome and accessories. Export bikes sometimes had mix-and-match parts, and you would be lucky to be able to buy an export bike at all then, so an AMCA-judged export '47 would have plenty of excuses to deviate from sales brochure looks.

[eongaro75]

Thanks Steve, yes indeed in all the flathead brochures of the time I see the trim installed, but from my research the models destined outside the USA were conceived as work vehicles and without accessories.