1971 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide 1200FL Police Special, Frame no. 1A26826H1 Engine no. 1A26826H1

1971 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide 1200FL Police Special
Frame no. 1A26826H1
Engine no. 1A26826H1
Two important events in the lengthy development of Harley-Davidson's perennial v-twin occurred in the mid-1960s when the 74 cubic-inch (1,200cc) FH and FLH Duo Glide adopted electric starting (1965) and the revised 'Shovelhead' engine the following year. Now known as the 'Electra Glide' - without question one of the most evocative names in motorcycling history – Harley's updated cruiser featured a new frame to house the large 12-volt battery and a reshaped primary drive cover to accommodate the electric starter mechanism. H-D was unable to afford the costs of developing an entirely new engine, so made do instead with a revised top end (the 'Shovelhead') featuring a larger aluminum version of the Sportster cylinder head that liberated a further 5hp.

The Shovelhead 'Glide continued in production for a further 18 years, gaining alternator electrics, electronic ignition, and disc braking as the years progressed, before bowing out in 1983 with the arrival of the Evolution-engine 'Glide. Harley-Davidson is acutely aware of its heritage and thus the Electra Glide has remained a cornerstone of the range to this day.

Police forces throughout the USA have used Harleys since the marque's earliest days, the police-specification Electra Glide being designated 'FLP'. Dating from the first year of Shovelhead production, this example known as 'Lost Highway Patrol' – ex Columbia, South Carolina PD - has been carefully restored by Ronnie Durham and comes complete with a City of Columbia registration, a police helmet and both ignition and saddlebag keys. It will require re-commissioning before being ridden again.