Harley-Davidson: Photographic History

Aermacchi: Harley-Davidson Motorcycles (Enthusiasts Series) tells the story of one of Italy's premiere post-war marques. With a history steeped in aviation including the Mc72 World Speed Record holder and World War Ii fighters, Aermacchi began building motorcycles in 1950. At the 1956 Milan Show the futuristic Chimera, an ohv horizontal single with enclosed bodywork was launched. Later in the decade the Chimera was undressed to create some of Italy's best sports and racing machines, including the Ala Verde and the Ala d'Oro. In 1960 Harley Davidson bought 50 percent of Aermacchi then in 1978 the Varese factory was sold to Cagiva. A number of Aermacchi personalities have contributed to this book, giving it additional authority. Contents: Before Bikes, Early Motorcycles, Chimera, Ala Rossa-Ala Verde, Wet-Clutch Racers, Transatlantic Partnership, Off-Road Competition, Dry-Clutch Racers, European Roadsters, The Linto Project, Two-stroke Racers, End of the Road, The Classic Rebirth & Index. This book is the third in the Redline Books Enthusiasts Series. It tells the story of one of Italy's premiere post-war marques. With a history steeped in aviation, including the MC72 World Speed Record holder and World War II fighters, Aermacchi began building motorcycles in 1950. At the 1956 Milan Show, the futuristic Chimera, an ohv horizontal single with enclosed bodywork was launched. Later in the decade the Chimera was 'undressed' to create some of Italy's best sports and racing machines, including the Ala Verde and the Ala d'Oro. In 1960 Harley Davidson bought 50% of Aermacchi, and then in 1978 the Varese factory was sold to Cagiva. A number of Aermacchi personalities have contributed to this book, giving it additional authority.

Harley-Davidson stunned the world when it unveiled its EL 61, better known as the Knucklehead, on November 25, 1935. The overhead-valve technology was impressive at a time when sidevalve engines were the order of the day, and the engine formed the basis for all Harley Big Twins to follow, right through the Evolution engines of the 1980s and 90s. But what really grabbed enthusiasts' attention was the styling of the new Harleys. The Knucklehead formed the die from which all future cruisers would be cast. Fittingly, Knuckleheads are much sought after by collectors today. This book, like others in the Original series, aids anyone collecting or refurbishing these classic Harleys. It illustrates and describes the correct parts, finishes, and options and trim pieces for all Knuckleheads, from the 1936 debut through the 1947 bikes, the last year of production.