1961 Harley-Davidson Other

This 1961 Harley Davidson “FLH Panhead” was used by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The motorcycle was purchased by the deputy who rode and outfitted it to the county standards in 1961. At that time all motor units were reserve units of the Sheriff's Department and as such were actually owned by the deputy. This unit was deployed to the Los Angeles County area from 1961 thru 1977 when the deputy retired from service. He then drove it to his home in Cypress California and put it in his garage. He rode it occasionally into the 1980's eventually parking it in his garage where it stayed.Rumors of this motorcycles existence circulated for years in the LA area. It made occasional appearances at different dealerships for service. Sometime in 1990's the Deputy who owned the unit passed away. The motorcycle was sold by the executor of his estate to a collector somewhere in southern California however since the title was never transferred into the new owners name, no records of this sale were found.This amazing time capsule is a tribute to the Motor officers who operated it and many like it throughout the county from the first day's motorcycles were placed into law enforcement service until this day. While this motorcycle has never been to a motorcycle show as far as I know, it should probably be in a museum. It still has all the original equipment as well as the complete working radio system installed. I put an NOS seat on it so I could ride it but I still have the original seat. Runs great. Lots of documentation. It is Not restored. One of a kind. If you want an original Police Motor Unit this is it!This motorcycle was featured in "American Iron" magazine the Salute Edition. Several period LA Sheriff's Department documents including an actual roster of the LASD Motor Unit officers from 1961 and several department memos are included as well as a period correct “E” plate for the motorcycle. A truly rare original piece of motorcycle law enforcement history.