Museum - Dale's Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley, North Carolina

In 1930, Harley-Davidson came out with their newly designed model VL. After its release, they quickly realized that they missed the ball in many areas, ultimately leading to a recall of every machine to replace the "small" cases and flywheels with larger ones. Today on Drive For History, we look at the only known 1930 Harley-Davidson VL that escaped those recalls and still posses its "small" case engine.

1930 VL - The VL was Harley-Davidson's all-new revolutionary machine. Almost immediately after its release, all of them were recalled to replace the undersized flywheels and engine cases. This is the only known example that still retains its original engine.

Cold weather is here, and it's a perfect time to load up on your favorite WWT winter gear! During January, by entering our Annual Raffle at the Better Deal package or higher, you will receive the WTT Hoodie, or get the WTT Beanie by entering at the Greater Deal Package. Head over to wheelsthroughtime.com/win-this-bike/ to learn more.

Snow Days - It's snowing this morning in Maggie Valley, and even though the weather's rough, the guys at Wheels Through Time still get out and exercise the machines. Pictured is Matt's 1916 Harley-Davidson Cut-Down, this machine features lowered seat height, hot rod engine, shortened-tanks, and many other mods, making for a lower, lighter, and faster machine.

Today on Drive for History were firing the Harley-Davidson UMG! Harley-Davidson developed this incredibly rare model UMG for the New York Police Department in the 1930s to compete with Indian for the NYPD contract. Do your part in preserving American History, head to driveforhistory.com to learn more.

The "Indianized" Harley - Harley-Davidson developed this incredibly rare model UMG for the New York Police Department in the 1930s. The NYPD at the time were using Indian Motorcycles, so as a way to compete, this bike features a left-hand throttle, a right-hand shifter, a Heel-to-go clutch, and so much more. This one of the only, if not THE only surviving example of the Harley-Davidson UMG. Tune in later today, as we'll be firing this bike on Drive for History!

The Henderson Four - The Henderson motorcycle was known for long distance reliability and speed. The 4 cylinder motor was highly developed by 1928. This was also the first year for the front brake. This fully accesorized Henderson deluxe was originally used by The Arizona highway patrol.

The Harley WL - 1952 marked the last year for Harley-Davidson WL production as the company would focus on current and future efforts on its K model. This example was restored in 2016 and finished in factory Hollywood green paint.

Today on Drive for History, we're firing this special 1913 Harley-Davidson! While it's far from the earliest bike at Wheels Through Time, this 1913 HD Model 5-35 is among the small group of machines collection that have been there the longest. Dale acquired the bike from a retired Harley-Davidson dealer in the 1970s, shortly after becoming a dealer himself in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Raffle Day Admission Tickets are now available! This year, to manage crowd levels per current NC requirements, we will be limiting the number of attendees on raffle day to 400, and preregistration Admission tickets will be required. These can only be purchased online beforehand (below) and will not be available in house. You can get them at https://wheelsthroughtime.com/gift/2020-raffle-day-tickets/ *The sale of Admission tickets is first-come, first-serve. These are not tickets to win the 1939 Knuckehead.*

This 1936 Harley Davidson VLH flat head was raced in the Jack Pine endurance run by famed Harley dealer George swim from Energy IL. The "Jack Pine", nicknamed the Cowbell Classic" was a time distance rally race through the backwoods of Michigan totaling 500+ miles over two days.

"Custom Indian" - Matt built this 1942 Indian Chief Custom Chopper for the 2014 Born Free Show in Southern California. The machine took home the award for "Best Indian" and is currently on display at Wheels Through Time.

Join us today on Drive for History, we're firing this special 1913 Harley-Davidson! While it's far from the earliest bike at Wheels Through Time, this 1913 HD Model 5-35 is among the small group of machines collection that have been there the longest. Dale acquired the bike from a retired Harley-Davidson dealer in the 1970s, shortly after becoming a dealer himself in Mt. Vernon, IL.

The McQueen Caddy - This 1949 Series 62 Cadillac Sedan was previously owned by Steve McQueen and driven daily for years. Dale bought the car in 1984 at the McQueen estate auction in Las Vegas and drove it home. It is on permanent display at WTT!

Tom Reisers famous "Panster" - This machine was built with love for Toms wife Beula at Reisers Cycle in Columbus Ohio in the 1980's using a 1963 Panhead top end on a 1973 Sportster bottom end and the unique blend of Toms craftsmanship making it the most exquisite Pansters around. It runs perfectly

The 48 Pan - Among the countless milestone motorcycles at Wheels Through Time, this 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead is a visitor favorite. '48 was the first year HD offered the Panhead, and last year the company offered a springer fork on big-twin models. This machine was restored in the early 1980s, and still runs like new!

Today marks one month till raffle day! One lucky winner will be taking home this beautiful hand-built 1939 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, along with second prize taking home $10,000 and third $5,000. You can get your last minute tickets at wheelsthroughtime.com/win-this-bike/

Harley-Davidson powered ice saw - Found near Crater Lake Oregon, this homemade ice saw features a nearly complete 1915 HD chassis, original paint and a reciprocating drive saw blade.

Today we had the pleasure of hosting Duane (left) and Dennis (right) Cole for their 50th birthday. The twin brothers decided to spend part of their day at "The Museum That Runs." Join us in wishing them a very happy 50th Birthday!

The Indian Four is regarded as among the most classy and sophisticated American motorcycles ever produced. 1939 marked the second year for the updated 78 c.i. engine and the last year for Indian’s rigid frame. This example was restored at DWTT in 2016.

CB 500 - In 1934 Harley Davidson offered the limited production CB-Model. The model featured the companies 500cc flathead single cylinder engine in the lighter 350cc chassis. This is one of two original examples on display at WTT.

The 1934 Harley-Davidson CAC - With less than 20 built for speedway racing in America, the Harley CAC was a 500 cc machine developed for short track and speedway use. This machine was owned by Harry Molenaar, a prominent dealer who acquired many rare experimental machines from the HD factory. Many of Harry's rarest machines are on display at Dale’s Wheels Through Time.

"V-16 Caddy" - This 1930 Cadillac 16-Cylinder "Madam X" Coupe weighs over 6,000 pounds and features suicide doors, dual side mounts and auxiliary headlights that turn with the steering wheel.

This beautiful 1939 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead will have a new owner in just 23 Days! With the second prize of $10,000 and a third prize $5,000, you don't want to miss out on this year's raffle! https://wheelsthroughtime.com/win-this-bike/ is where you get your last minute tickets.

Original Pope - This 1913 Pope Model H was built by the Pope Manufacturing Company in Westfield, Mass. Pope also produced bicycles under the familiar name of Columbia. The machine is preserved in original condition, and run regularly for visitors at Dale’s Wheels Through Time.

The 1939 Harley-Davidson WLDD - These three bikes we're built as a trio by Dale in the mid 1990's for him and his two sons, Matt and Aaron. The 1939 Harley WLDD is the first street model to feature aluminum heads and is incredibly rare to this day.

The Drive for History series is back! Stay tuned all this year for the stories, bikes, people, and of course, history that make Wheels Through Time "The Museum That Runs!" driveforhistory.com

1926 Harley-Davidson Peashooter Racer - With the creation of smaller displacement racing classes in the mid-1920s, Harley-Davidson debuted their Peashooter racer in 1926. The short-coupled 350 CC OHV engine was significantly lighter than their big twin racers and almost as fast. This example is number 9 of less than 20 produced.

Happy New Year! As a way of celebrating the new year and the first day of the 2021 Drive for History, we will be firing the ultra-rare 1921 Harley-Davidson SCA that is now 100 years old!! Stay tuned to see all the action!

Resweber Racer - Rebuild here in the restoration shop, this 1952 Harley-Davidson KR, formerly raced by HD racing legend Carroll Resweber, is just one of an entire Resweber HD factory racing fleet that's on display at Dale's Wheels Through Time.

The Ace Sport Solo - A few years after selling the Henderson Motorcycle Company to Excelsior, Tom and William Henderson moved to Philadelphia and formed the ACE motorcycle company. They exclusively produced 4-cylinder machines from 1920-1927. This 1924 "Sport Solo" was restored in the mid-1990s, and features the Henderson Brothers famed 4-cylinder engine.

You might find what you need in the cabinet - Wheels Through Time Houses hundreds of bikes, thousands of parts, and endless inspiration. Sometimes, when restoring a bike a short walk through the museum will reveal the pieces to the puzzle.

The Spacke DeLuxe - Fred W. Spacke founded the F.W. Spacke Machine Company in 1904. Originally focused on building air compressors, they expanded to a larger building in 1907 and by 1910 began manufacturing engines for motorcycles. They began with a worm-geared single cylinder motor but it was their twin cylinder that put them on the map and saw their motor used by numerous companies including Sears, Dayton, Flescher Flyer, Crawford, and more. Following Spacke’s death in 1915 the company was renamed the Spacke Machine and Tool Company, continuing to produce their De Luxe engine but progressively moved more toward engines for cars. #motormonday

Gene Rhyne’s National Champ - Excelsior produced only 24 examples of this 45c.i. alcohol burner, specifically for Hillclimb purposes. Gene Rhyne piloted this example to the National Hillclimb Championship in 1929 and 1930. Also displayed with the machine are original company documents recognizing Rhyne’s accomplishments. This machine is number 3 of 24 produced.

Stanley Sieja completed a trip around the world on this 1977 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra-Glide in just two years. This machine features a 74 cubic inch shovelhead engine and for speed transmission. It is equipped exactly as Stanley ride it on his around-the-world journey. We salute Stanley for serving and obtaining the rank of Captain in the USMC.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As a way of celebrating Christmas and the upcoming New Year, Drive For History is back! Starting January 1st, we'll be back at it again, bringing you the stories of the machines, the people, and the history that makes Wheels Through Time "The Museum That Runs!" We wish you a Happy Holiday, and we'll see you on January 1st!

Cannonballs' CZ - While we claim that every machine at the museum is American made this one happens to be American modified. The legendary Cannonball Baker took this Czech made CZ motorcycle and altered the engine using his own design of rotary-valve top end. Baker claimed that the machine racked up 180 miles per gallon during an economy test.

The 1953 Indian Chief - This Chief is among the most elegant motorcycles the Springfield, Massachusetts based firm ever produced. Featuring 80 cubic inch sidevalve engine and three speed transmission, the machine may have been a bit behind Harley-Davidson in the ways of performance, but the styling of the machine rivalled anything HD had ever made available to the public. 1953 was the last year for Indian production in America. This beautiful example was restored in the early 1990s by the late Tony Watson. It is among the first 100 point Indian Chiefs ever restored.

Today, we had the privilege of meeting the Grand Prize winner of the 2020 Wheel Through Time Raffle, Jared Harding. Jared and his family made the cross country trip from Utah and had a great time touring the museum and learning the history that surrounds these old bikes. After a quick tutorial with Matt, he was off for a first ride his new '39 Knucklehead! Congratulations Jared, and welcome the Wheels Through Time family!

1912 Excelsior - The Excelsior Company produced motorcycles in Chicago, Illinois from 1907-1931. This 1912 was the last year for a belt drive option on all twin cylinder models. It could be purchased for $225 and features a 6hp engine! This machine is preserved in original condition at Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum!

1937 Bobber - This 1937 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Bobber was built by Dale in the early 1980's and sports dropped handle bars, custom exhaust and '39 paint scheme.

A closer look at 2021 Raffle Bike - The 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead. Featuring a 4-speed transmission, along with first-year aluminum heads and wish-bone frame, the revolutionary 74 c.i. machine was brought back to life in the Wheels Through Time restoration shop and finished in brilliant black and chrome. To get your tickets for this Milestone motorcycle, head over to wheelsthroughtime.com/win-this-bike

Traffic Stop - Produced in Buffalo, NY from 1909-1913, the Pierce four-cylinder motorcycle commanded respect from its motoring peers with a massive frame and powerful 700cc motor. The Pierce quickly became the obvious choice for police departments of neighboring cities. Production of the Pierce motorcycle ceased in 1913, causing Pierce equipped police forces to adopt a new brand of machine for motor patrol.

One of 50 Class C racing bikes at Dale’s WTT! Dale has been collecting WLDR models since the 70’s. This 1939 features a factory racing ball bearing engine, magneto Ignition and special tanks. The second photo was taken in 1995 for Early Riders Magazine!

If you haven't see the newest season of Autobiography on MotorTrend , Matt got a chance to sit down with Tim and Michael to talk about the mystery surrounding the Traub motorcycle. To this day, no one knows the full story.

'41 WLD - Harley Davidson's W-Model was available with various options and trim packages from 1937-51. This 1941 WLD was the high performance road model, with higher compression, bigger intake ports and larger cooling fins. This machine was restored in 2010.

Cannonball Cruiser - In 2010, Dale rode this 1915 Harley-Davidson on the 1st ever Motorcycle Cannonball Run. The ride started in Kitty Hawk, NC, and traveled over 3000 miles, ending in California at the Santa Monica Pier. This machine is ridden frequently and is on permanent display at Dale's Wheels Through Time.

1933 VL - 1933 was Harley-Davidson's low production year, with production numbers less than 4,000. This model VLE features a 74ci engine with magnesium pistons and 3-speed transmission. It's run regularly for visitors, make sure to check it out during your 2021 visit!

Souped-up Super X - In 1925, Excelsior debuted a new model called the "Super X". The machine featured 45 cubic inch pocket-valve engine and three-speed transmission. The new engine was of "unit construction", in which the engine and transmission cases were cast as one. This beautiful example was modified by Crocker guru, Elmo Looper, who changed the machine from a total-loss oil system to a circulating system. It is on display at Dale’s Wheels Through Time.

The Hundredth Anniversary Harley - Dale built this 1938 Harley Davidson EL Knucklehead 2003 for a close friend and calls it his "Hundredth Anniversary" Harley because of the silver and black paint scheme celebrating 100 years of Harley-Davidson. As fate would have it, the bike made its way back to Dale only a few years after building it. The machine is a cool "Hot Rod" configuration with shortened fenders, custom Rhinehart exhaust, Flanders handlebars and risers, and a 2003 Harley Davidson Lowrider decal on the tank.

First off the line - The collection at Wheels Through Time features over a dozen serial number one examples from the first 100 years of motorcycle history. These two Harley Davidson lightweights were the first off the line for their respective years, a 1934 in original paint and a 1928 out of New Jersey that someone turned into a custom" Hot Rod" bobber. Both machines are run on occasion for visitors to WTT.

Dual Carb Knuckle - This 1942 Harley-Davidson FL is preserved with all its hotrod glory from the 1950's. The machine was Drag raced out of Dayton, Ohio by Bill Smith in the late 1940s and 50s. Matt acquired the machine in 2016 from a close friend and promptly got it back in running order.

The 48 "Hot Rod Pan" - This 1948 Panhead is in it’s original paint and was personalized using lots of chrome extras. The machine also has been fitted with a foot shift conversion from the period. The front fender swan is a favorite at Dale’s WTTM!

The 1913 Henderson - The Henderson Motorcycle Company was founded by Tom and William Henderson in 1912 in Detroit, Michigan. By 1913, the Henderson motorcycle, referred to as" The Gentleman's Motorcycle," was a four-cylinder 1000cc machine with a long wheelbase that rivaled all makes in style and performance.

Ice Racer - This 1919 Harley Davidson J Model Cut Down, was built specially for racing on the ice during cold, snowy winters. This machine features a 1000cc hopped up pocket valve engine, 3-speed transmission, and studded tires for traction on the ice.

Dale prepping the 1937 Knucklehead dubbed the "Fred Ham Special" for his pal Wayne Stanfield when they set out on the attempt to re-break a 24-hour endurance record (set by Fred Iron Man Ham in 1937) of 1825 miles in 24-hours at the infamous Talladega Superspeedway in April of 2007.

The story of the four-cylinder motorcycle in America lasted a short 33 years. From the invention of Percy Pierce in Buffalo New York in 1909 through the glory days of the Indian who ceased production in 1942. Upon entering Wheels Through Time you are greeted with several examples of those very same machines! What's your favorite 4-cylinder machine?

The Davis Motor Mine Cart - Found in an abandoned Gold Mine in Northern California in the late 1970s, the Davis Motor Mine Cart is a home built creation using most of a 1926 Harley Davidson 21c.i. B-Model motorcycle. The machine also features a Ford Model-A transmission, and electric start!

"1 of 1,000 Built". The 1942 Harley Davidson XA Model was designed for military use and featured opposed cylinders and shaft drive transmission. This machine was civilianized by San Diego Harley Dealer, Leonard Andres in the 1950s for his wife.

Meet Jeff Wilmington and Karen Lee of Indiana who were the winners of our "Win A Trip" raffle promo from earlier this year. They decided to come cash in their trip on the last weekend of our 2020 season! This month we're offering the chance to win another trip, this time to our opening weekend. For those who purchase at the "Greater Deal" Package or higher, you'll be automatically entered to win. Head to wheelsthroughtime.com/win-this-bike to get in.

The Indian Traffic Car - By 1936, Indian began production of the "Traffic Car", claiming it to be the "most efficient, attractive, and economical light commercial delivery units ever produced." This example was acquired by Dale in 2001, features a 74c.i engine, and can carry a payload of up to 1000 pounds!

1912 Sears -The Sears and roebuck company has been in business since 1893. In the early 1910’s, the company commissioned a small number of motorcycles to be produced and sold under the Sears name. The companies twin cylinder models featured a rare Spacke Deluxe magneto ignition power plant and single-speed drivetrain. This motorcycle is preserved in original condition and was acquired from the Lee Hartung collection.

Happy Birthday to our founder and curator, Dale Walksler! You are a preserver of history, an inspiration to many, and an amazing husband and father! Thank you for all that you are!

Wondering what to get the motorcycle lover in your life this Christmas? How about a chance at winning a stunning 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead! After you add your tickets to the cart don’t forget to check out our custom DWTT racing jersey and all the other great items in our gift shop.

The 1915 Indian Twin Cannonball Bike - Jim Petty of Seneca, South Carolina competed in the first Motorcycle Cannonball from Kitty Hawk, NC to Santa Monica, CA aboard this machine he calls the War Eagle. Jim completed 2455 of 3294 miles, placing 24th overall.

American pickers special This unusual Indian powered 4 wheel special is hand-built from the belly tank from an airplane. It is powered by a 4 cylinder Indian motor. It has 4 wheel brakes and is run regularly at the museum.

DAH Hillclimber - In 1930, Harley-Davidson debuted a special overhead valve 45 cubic inch hillclimbing machine for its factory riders. Labeled the DAH, the bike featured trailing link forks, single-speed transmission, and dual-port exhaust. Approximately 25 examples were produced, two of which are on display at Wheels Through Time.

Indian began producing 4-Cylinder machines after they purchased the Ace Company in the late 1920s. The 1936 "Upside-Down" Four was known as the most powerful of Indians 4-Cylinder models. This example has been at WTT for over 2 decades. Happy Thanksgiving

Our 2021 Raffle Bike - The milestone 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead dressed in "brilliant" black and chrome, miles ahead in design and performance. Unveiled in 1948, this new model would go on to become an icon of the American motorcycle story, and now you have a chance to own it. Head to wheelsthroughtime.com/win-this-bike to learn more.

1913 Harley-Davidson Model 9A -Paul Ousey from Long Island, NY piloted this machine in the first Motorcycle Cannonball in 2010. The small displacement of the motor and belt drive transmission made the 3,294 mile ride from Kitty Hawk, NC to Santa Monica, CA a challenge. Paul covered just over 2000 miles.

1908 Apache The Apache motorcycle was produced in very limited quantities by the Brown & Beck Company in Denver, CO. The 1908 model was powered by the then-popular single-cylinder Thor engine which produced 3hp and developed enough power to easily attain 30mph.

As our 2020 season comes to a close, we're so thankful to everyone that has made this season the best it could be! We launched a new platform, "Drive For History," which gave you a closer look into the museum while we were closed. As we reopened, October saw a record amount of visitors, and raffle day was a blast as we met our 2020 raffle winner, Jared Harding. Throughout this winter, we'll be hard at work in the museum, creating new content for you and, of course, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

If you've been to Wheels Through Time over the last seven years, you've no doubt been greeted by the curly-headed girl with a big smile as you walked through the door. Nikki has been a key member and asset of all things WTT, and we want to wish her all the best as she heads out on a new adventure.

By 1931, the Harley Davidson 45 had proven itself in performance and reliability. This high performance DLD was raced out of San Diego, by famed Harley Dealer--Leonard Andres. It features ultra rare, big port racing cylinders and high compression heads. This machine was recently resurrected in the WTT Restoration Shop and is on display!

Lifetime Donors like Jerry and Patti Rich are an integral part of the Dale's Wheels Thorugh Time family. Our Donors' generous support is what helps us collect and preserve American motorcycle history for generations to come. Thank you to all of our donors and supporters that help fuel "The Museum That Runs." For more information about our Lifetime Donor program and how you can play a part, give us a call at 828-926-6266 or visit https://wheelsthroughtime.com/lifetime/