One of a Kind 1947 H-D Servi-Car x Model T Ford Truck

Workhorse Pairing

This custom three-wheeler is a combination of two great American utility vehicles. Sanders Antique Auto Restoration of Rockford, Illinois restored a 1947 Harley-Davidson Servi-Car and then fitted a shortened and sectioned 1926 Ford Model T pickup bed. The unique ride was featured at the 2017 Classics and Chrome Invitational in Rockford, and as of late has sold at Mecum Auctions for an undisclosed amount.

All photos courtesy of Jason Brant | Mecum Auctions 

Commercial Draw

The Servi-Car is one of the Motor Company's longest running production vehicles, second only to the Sportster. In response to the crippling economic times of the 1930s, Harley-Davidson pushed the Servi-Car design into production recognizing the need for an affordable commercial vehicle. The Motor Company had designed a winner — the Servi-Car was produced from 1932 until 1973.

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Recirculating Motor

Replacing the R-series motor in 1936, the W-series 45 cubic-inch Flathead motor proved to be one of Harley-Davidson's most reliable engines. In a technological step forward, the low-compression W-series motor featured a recirculating oil system. The 1947 Servi-Car's Flathead motor and its three-speed constant-mesh transmission, with reverse shown here, was entirely rebuilt by Mike Lichner at Knucklehead Motorworks in New Berlin, Wisconsin. 

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Rigid Rear

The Servi-Car was originally designed for unpaved road conditions. Soft rear tires and a telescopic sprung seat were a rider's only defense against bumps. The Servi-Car's car-styled differential was housed in a rigid rear axle with a 42-inch track — the norm in the mid to late 1930s. While the rear of the Servi-car is a hardtail, the cargo box is supported by leaf springs. Harley-Davidson did experiment with adding rear suspension to the Servi-Car chassis, but it proved to be unstable. 

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Shift Right

Keen observers will note the uncommon right-hand shift configuration on the 1947 Servi-Car. Right-hand shifts were coupled with left-hand throttles and were special order from the factory. The reversed configuration catered to the police and the military's requirements to use a firearm while riding — or even just to salute. The right-hand shift, coupled with a foot clutch, was also more familiar to officers accustom to driving a car. 

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Sprung Frontend

The Servi-Car used the factory Springer fork that originated on the R-series and W-series solo motorcycles. Shown here is the Springer front end with stock headlight and horn assembly. In 1958, the Servi-Car's neck stem length and inner diameter were changed to accommodate the telescopic Hydra Glide front end, which had already been in use on the FL-series since 1950. The large headlight nacelle, now commonly associated with the Road King, was used from 1960 until the end of production in 1973. 

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Foot Starter

The 1947 Servi-Car shown here is a kick start only model. In 1964 the Servi-Car was offered with an electric starter and was the first civilian Harley-Davidson to be equipped as such. The FL-series Electra Glide was outfitted with an electric starter the following year. Other changes to the Servi-Car in the mid-1960s included the switch to an alternator-based electrical system and an improved Linkert carburetor. 

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Unique Motorcycle Truck

The jobs performed by the Servi-Car during its production would only be outnumbered by the myriad of uses for the Model T pickup truck. The concept for the Servi-Car started in 1912 with the 'Motorcycle Truck,' which was followed by the 'Package Truck' in 1915. It seems almost logical to pair a 1926 Model T pickup bed with the utilitarian 1947 Servi-Car. If nothing else, this unique piece of Americana is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. 

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For maintenance and repair guides for your Harley, browse our technical How-to articles right here at HDForums.com!