W/ng's extant

[john.whiting]

Not all the Big4s had the drive cut.Jack Finglas had one complete,and Ive seen one for sale on ebay in North Qld a few years ago.It appears that the ones issued to Australian forces in North Africa came back in 42 and were later sold complete as surplus,the English ones had the drive cut because it could interfere with the steering,to the extent the combination would only turn one way if the drive was engaged.Regards John.

[david.anderson]

Nev
There is a WNG in the Nowra area. A local noticed the bike being ridden while he was holidaying in Indonesia. He followed the bike and made the owner an offer. The bike was then shipped to Australia where it was restored by the Bomaderry Harley dealer. The bike was fitted with 1951-54 mudguards, the wrong carburettor and magneto, plus other modern parts, but all has now been rectified.
David

[nevhunter]

David, One turned up on a run near Melbourne a few years ago also. I believe the Australian Navy dumped a few in the sea at Nowra after not getting any interest from dealers. I'd have a guess at perhaps 20 being in Australia at the most, now. (It's only a guess). I know of none that originated here. Three I've known the circumstances of came from the Uk India and Malaysia. The WLA's in crates for 10 Pounds I can vouch for. I've seen them repainted and covered in leather saddlebags and seat tassles in the 50's. Until recently there were plenty of WLA parts available from new old stock (tropic proof pack) but that's over pretty much ended. I understand they made about 90,000, with enough parts for about another 30,000. That way behind the BSA and Perhaps also the Norton, also. Nev