1947 Harley-Davidson Servi-Car

If the mechanic couldn't make the necessary repairs with the tools stored in the Servi-Car's cargo box, he could hitch his mount to the rear bumper of the car with a tow bar, and (assuming the car was driveable), take the two of them back to the garage. Likewise, it could also be used to deliver the car when the work was completed.

Over the years, Servi-Cars have been used for all sorts of chores, one of the more common being for parking enforcement. Our featured example was purchased by the Milwaukee Police Department for just that purpose. Note the chalk stick attached to the box behind the seat. Since cars were parked on the right (and therefore the officer would be wielding the stick in his right hand), the throttle is on the left. That necessitated moving the shifter to the right, so this vehicle is set up just the opposite of most.

Servi-Cars were powered by the 45-cubic-inch flathead V-twin and normally fitted with a three-speed transmission with reverse.

The '64 model was the first Harley with electric starting. They remained in production through 1973, carrying the old 45 flathead to the end.