1937 Harley ULH 80 Sidecar Goes for $55,000

By Brett Foote - December 19, 2016

Iconic American Harley-Davidson Relic Causes a Stir on eBay, Where the Thirties Ride Nabbed a Small Fortune

The 1930s were a turbulent time for everyone in America, especially manufacturers. Only two American motorcycle companies survived the Great Depression, which obviously included Harley-Davidson, which actually continued to refine its product. Included in the stock was this 1937 ride that we recently spotted on eBay, where it went for a hefty cost.

This 1937 ULH 80 possesses every attribute that you would want in a ’30s era Harley. The first ULH moniker, which replaced the VLH, debuted in 1937. The 80 cubic inch Flathead engine introduced in 1935 now employed a dry-sump oil re-circulation system.

The ULH remained in this configuration until 1941 when it was discontinued. But these models are among the most innovative that have ever been offered by H-D. They helped the brand rise from the ashes of the Great Depression and come out stronger than ever.

Even after the introduction of the Knucklehead overhead valve engine, the Flathead lived on for over a decade. It’s a real testament to the staying power of the engine as it continued to see improvements over the years.

All of which makes this 1937 ULH 80 quite historically significant. The bike is fitted with that old 80 ci Flathead, which was rebuilt after around 42,000 miles of service. Many OEM H-D parts found their way into the rebuild, and the bike carries very few aftermarket parts.

The sidecar is obviously a nice touch, especially considering the fact that so many Harleys saw service in WWII. In this case, you’ll probably be hauling around your dog instead of a fellow soldier.