1948–1965 Panhead Harley-Davidson Model & Production Reference

This page documents Harley-Davidson motorcycles built from 1948 through 1965, covering the Panhead OHV engine family, including FL models, Hydra-Glide, Duo-Glide, and the introduction of the Electra-Glide. These years represent the full development of the Panhead platform leading into the next generation of big twin engines, making accurate year-by-year reference essential for identification and restoration.

How to use this page: use the year links above to navigate to a specific production year, review model listings and production numbers, then use the Harley VIN Decoder and Model Reference 1903–1969 to connect engine numbers, model families, and production context. Use the paint links within each year to verify factory finishes and details.

Explore Other Eras: 1903–1929 Early Era | 1930–1936 V-Series | 1936–1947 Knucklehead | 1966–1969 Generator Shovelhead

Quick Navigation

1948 | 1949 | 1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1953 | 1954 | 1955 | 1956 | 1957 | 1958 | 1959 | 1960 | 1961 | 1962 | 1963 | 1964 | 1965

Overview

The Panhead era begins in 1948 and spans several major Harley-Davidson platform changes, including the spring fork first year, Hydra-Glide, Duo-Glide, and the 1965 Electra-Glide transition. For the final pre-Panhead OHV models, continue to the 1936–1947 Knucklehead era. This page serves as a year-by-year Panhead model and production reference, organized by Panhead / OHV models and the other Harley-Davidson models that appeared alongside them. Paint and emblem details for these years are documented through the Paint & Emblems 1936–1965 reference, with year-specific links provided throughout this page. The Panhead platform then gives way to the generator Shovelhead models of 1966–1969.

VIN Information

Panhead-era engine numbers identify the year and engine family, but not every final motorcycle configuration. The stamped number is best used to identify the engine, then paired with the year-specific model and paint reference pages for broader restoration and identification work. For complete engine number decoding, see the Harley-Davidson VIN decoder and serial number guide. To place decoded motorcycles within the full range of production, use the Model Reference 1903–1969.

1948 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Spring Fork (Pre-Hydra-Glide)

Panhead / OHV Models

EL 61 OHV Twin, Special Sport Solo
E 61 OHV Twin, Medium Compression
ES 61 OHV Twin, Sidecar Gearing (Med. Comp.)
FL 74 OHV Twin, Special Sport Solo
F 74 OHV Twin, Medium Compression
FS 74 OHV Twin, Sidecar Gearing (Med. Comp.)

Other Models

WL 45 Twin
UL 74 Twin, High Compression Solo
U 74 Twin, Medium Compression
US 74 Twin, Medium Compression, Sidecar Gearing
G Servi-Car, with Reverse Gear and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse Gear less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
M Package Truck
MC Chassis Only for Package Truck

Model / VIN Notes

1948 is the first Panhead year and still uses the earlier spring fork front end rather than the later Hydra-Glide setup.
The ES and FS listings identify sidecar gearing, but that sidecar suffix is not part of the stamped engine number itself.
This first-year lineup still overlaps with several non-Panhead models, including WL, U-series big twins, Servi-Cars, sidecars, and package truck components.
For the final OHV models that immediately precede the first Panheads, see the 1947 Knucklehead reference.

Production Numbers

EL — 4,321
ES — 198
FL — 8,071
FS — 334

1949 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Hydra-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

EL 61 OHV Twin, Sport Solo
E 61 OHV Twin, Medium Compression
ES 61 OHV Twin, Sidecar Gearing (Med. Comp.)
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo
F 74 OHV Twin, Medium Compression
FS 74 OHV Twin, Sidecar Gearing (Med. Comp.)

Other Models

WL 45 Twin
G Servi-Car, with Reverse Gear and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse Gear, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
M Package Truck
MC Chassis Only for Package Truck

Model / VIN Notes

1949 is the first Hydra-Glide year, but spring fork versions were still available in certain special-use or commercial applications.
Special-order variants appear in the source material for this year, including ELP and FLP, reflecting spring-fork versions that complicate simple year-to-fork assumptions.
As in 1948, ES and FS indicate sidecar gearing rather than a distinct VIN-stamped engine designation.

Production Numbers

EL — 3,419
ELP — 99
ES — 177
FL — 8,014
FLP — 486
FS — 490

1950 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Hydra-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

EL 61 OHV Twin, Sport Solo
E 61 OHV Twin, Medium Compression
ES 61 OHV Twin, Sidecar Gearing (Med. Comp.)
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo
F 74 OHV Twin, Medium Compression
FS 74 OHV Twin, Sidecar Gearing (Med. Comp.)

Other Models

WL 45 Twin
G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
M Package Truck
MC Chassis Only for Package Truck

Model / VIN Notes

The basic E / ES and F / FS naming structure continues into 1950 before later naming changes arrive.
Sidecar gearing designations remain external to the stamped engine number.
The broader lineup still includes WL, Servi-Car, sidecar, and package-truck related offerings alongside the Panheads.

Production Numbers

EL — 2,046
ES — 177
FL — 7,407
FS — 544

1951 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Hydra-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

EL 61 OHV Twin, Sport Solo
ELS 61 OHV Twin, Sidecar Gearing
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo
FLS 74 OHV Twin, Sidecar Gearing

Other Models

WL 45 Twin
G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
M Package Truck
MC Chassis Only for Package Truck

Model / VIN Notes

1951 changes the earlier naming pattern into combined suffix forms such as ELS and FLS.
That naming shift affects how the sales models are written, but the sidecar component of the designation still is not stamped into the VIN.
This year is a useful reminder that Harley model descriptions and engine numbers are related, but not always identical in form.

Production Numbers

EL — 1,532
ES — 76
FL — 6,560
FL — 135 [additional FL line as shown in source]

1952 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Hydra-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

ELF 61 OHV Twin, Sport Solo—with Foot Shift
EL 61 OHV Twin, Sport Solo
ELS 61 OHV Twin, Sidecar Gearing
FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo—with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo
FLS 74 OHV Twin, Sidecar Gearing

Other Models

WL 45 Twin
G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
M Package Truck
MC Chassis Only for Package Truck

Model / VIN Notes

1952 introduces foot-shift variants into the Panhead naming system through the final F.
That final F is a sales/configuration suffix and is not present in the stamped engine number.
The year also preserves the sidecar-gearing variants, which continue to sit outside the VIN itself.

Production Numbers

EL — 918
ES — 42
FL — 5,554
FLS — 186

1953 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Hydra-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLEF 74 OHV Twin Foot Shift with Traffic Combination
FLE 74 OHV Twin Hand Shift with Traffic Combination

Other Models

G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
M Package Truck
MC Chassis Only for Package Truck

Model / VIN Notes

By 1953 the EL-series disappears from the year sheets and the OHV lineup is effectively FL-based.
Traffic Combination models become a notable part of the range and reflect police/municipal-oriented configurations.
As with the other suffix-driven variations, the traffic and foot-shift distinctions are not fully expressed in the engine VIN.

Production Numbers

FL — 1,986
FLF — 3,351

1954 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Hydra-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLEF 74 OHV Twin Foot Shift with Traffic Combination
FLE 74 OHV Twin Hand Shift with Traffic Combination

Other Models

G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
M Package Truck
MC Chassis Only for Package Truck

Model / VIN Notes

1954 largely carries forward the stabilized FL / FLF and FLE / FLEF structure introduced the year before.
This makes the year useful as a reference point for mature mid-Hydra-Glide Panhead naming.

Production Numbers

FL — 4,757

1955 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Hydra-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLHF 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FLH 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLEF 74 OHV Twin Foot Shift with Traffic Combination
FLE 74 OHV Twin Hand Shift with Traffic Combination

Other Models

G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
M Package Truck
MC Chassis Only for Package Truck

Model / VIN Notes

1955 is the key transition year for the introduction of FLH and FLHF high-compression “Super Sport” Panheads.
That change adds another layer to Panhead naming, but the configuration suffixes still should not be treated as direct VIN equivalents.

Production Numbers

FL — 5,142

1956 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Hydra-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLHF 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FLH 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLEF 74 OHV Twin Foot Shift with Traffic Combination
FLE 74 OHV Twin Hand Shift with Traffic Combination

Other Models

G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
M Package Truck
MC Chassis Only for Package Truck

Model / VIN Notes

By 1956 the FLH is firmly established as a core high-compression Panhead designation.
The traffic and foot-shift versions continue alongside the regular hand-shift and foot-shift models.

Production Numbers

FL / FLH — 5,806

1957 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Hydra-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLHF 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FLH 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift

Other Models

G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
M Package Truck
MC Chassis Only for Package Truck

Model / VIN Notes

1957 marks a simplified late-Hydra-Glide Panhead lineup relative to the earlier traffic-model years.
The focus narrows to the core FL / FLF and FLH / FLHF structure.

Production Numbers

FL / FLH — 5,616

1958 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Duo-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLHF 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FLH 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift

Other Models

G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins

Model / VIN Notes

1958 begins the Duo-Glide years, adding rear suspension to the big-twin Panhead platform.
The core FL / FLH distinction remains intact even as the chassis evolves.

Production Numbers

FL / FLH — 6,038

1959 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Duo-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLHF 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FLH 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift

Other Models

G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
LEC Sidecar Chassis, with Wheel and Fender

Model / VIN Notes

1959 adds LEC to the model sheets, expanding the sidecar/chassis-related support hardware listed alongside motorcycles.
This is another good example of Harley offering related equipment whose full designation is not mirrored in engine VIN stamping.

Production Numbers

FL / FLH — 5,767

1960 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Duo-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLHF 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FLH 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift

Other Models

G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
LEC Sidecar Chassis, with Wheel and Fender

Model / VIN Notes

1960 carries forward the same basic Panhead and support-model structure seen in 1959.
These years are especially useful for comparing motorcycle models against the utility and sidecar-related listings that remained in the catalog.

Production Numbers

FL / FLH — 5,967

1961 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Duo-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLHF 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FLH 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift

Other Models

G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
LEC Sidecar Chassis, with Wheel and Fender

Model / VIN Notes

The Panhead lineup remains structurally steady in 1961.
Differences between motorcycle and support-equipment listings continue to matter when interpreting what a VIN can and cannot confirm.

Production Numbers

FL / FLH — 4,927

1962 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Duo-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLHF 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FLH 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift

Other Models

G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
LEC Sidecar Chassis, with Wheel and Fender

Model / VIN Notes

1962 continues the mature Duo-Glide Panhead pattern with no major naming reset.
The FL, FLF, FLH, and FLHF distinctions remain the most important internal divisions of the Panhead big-twin lineup.

Production Numbers

FL / FLH — 5,184

1963 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Duo-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLHF 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FLH 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift

Other Models

G Servi-Car, with Reverse and Tow Bar
GA Servi-Car, with Reverse, less Tow Bar
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
LEC Sidecar Chassis, with Wheel and Fender

Model / VIN Notes

1963 still reflects the established late-Panhead pattern rather than a major new model break.
This makes year-specific supporting details especially important when trying to pin down a correct restoration.

Production Numbers

FL / FLH — 4,246

1964 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Duo-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLHF 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FLH 74 OHV Twin, Super Sport Solo with Hand Shift
FLF 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Foot Shift
FL 74 OHV Twin, Sport Solo with Hand Shift

Other Models

GE Servi-Car, with Electric Start (less Tow Bar)
LE Sport Sidecar for 61 and 74 Twins
LEC Sidecar Chassis, with Wheel and Fender

Model / VIN Notes

1964 stands out because GE replaces the earlier G / GA Servi-Car listings in the year sheet.
That makes it a transition point for the utility side of the Harley lineup even while the main Panhead motorcycle structure remains familiar.

Production Numbers

FL / FLH — 5,500

1965 Harley-Davidson Models

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Platform: Electra-Glide

Panhead / OHV Models

FLHB
FLHFB
FLB
FLFB

1965 Model Decoding

FLHB = 74 OHV Twin, high compression, electric start, hand shift
FLHFB = 74 OHV Twin, high compression, electric start, foot shift
FLB = 74 OHV Twin, standard compression, electric start, hand shift
FLFB = 74 OHV Twin, standard compression, electric start, foot shift

Model / VIN Notes

1965 is the first Electra-Glide year and the first year electric start appears in the big-twin Panhead family.
Even here, configuration letters still should not be treated as a simple one-to-one VIN decoding shortcut.

Production Numbers

FL / FLH — 6,930

To continue identification and restoration research, use the Harley VIN Decoder for stamped engine numbers and Paint & Emblems 1936–1965 for year-specific finish details.

Model Lifecycle Summary

61 OHV Panhead Family

EL appears 1948–1952
E appears 1948–1950
ES appears 1948–1950
ELS appears 1951–1952
ELF appears 1952
ELP appears in 1949 production figures and source notes

74 OHV Panhead Family Before FLH

FL appears throughout the entire Panhead era
F appears 1948–1950
FS appears 1948–1950
FLS appears 1951–1952
FLF appears from 1952 forward
FLE / FLEF traffic models appear 1953–1956
FLP appears in 1949 production figures and source notes

High-Compression / Super Sport Family

FLH / FLHF introduced mid-year 1955
FLH continues through 1965
FLHF continues through 1965
1965 electric-start equivalents are FLHB / FLHFB

Support / Sidecar / Utility Models Appearing Alongside the Panheads

WL appears through 1952 in the uploaded sheets
UL / U / US appear in 1948
G / GA Servi-Car models appear through 1963
GE Servi-Car appears in 1964
LE sidecar appears throughout the period covered here
LEC appears from 1959 onward
M / MC package truck listings appear through 1957 in the uploaded sheets