Photo credits: Ponoka News
Photo credits: Ponoka News
The Canadian town of Ponoka certainly gave the town a retro vibe with over 100 vintage motorcycle collectors gathering to show off their amazing antiques.
The event was part of the Central Alberta Vintage Motorcycle Group’s 21st annual vintage motorcycle rally.
Bikers also shared stories about their bikes. Ranging from Harley-Davidsons to Indian Motorcycles, the event was super insightful.
The bikes that drew a lot of attention were a 1939 Harley Davidson WLDD and a 1942 Harley Davidson 42XA.
Photo credits: Ponoka News
According to the local sources, Bernie Baker is said to be a restorer with the Reynolds Historic Preservation Foundation, which locates these special collectables for the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin.
“It’s a hot rod Harley. It’s the hottest Harley made in 1939,” said Baker of the WLDD.
“Everybody wanted these things but they couldn’t buy it. So in 1939 they made 273 of these,” he added.
Photo credits: Ponoka News
The 42XA in army green is a direct copy of a BMW R71 that the Germans used in the Second World War. The bike was the perfect machine to handle hot summers but the production stopped after the development of the Jeep.
“It was easier to get four guys on a jeep than four guys on a motorcycle,” explained Baker.
The museum has one of the last 50 known 42XA still around. It is registered as number 17 of the 1,000.