100 Years of Warr’s
In 1924, television was unheard of, the 'wireless' was for the privileged few, and, in Britain, Winston Churchill was Chancellor, Queen Elizabeth had yet to be born and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had been in the motorcycle business for a mere 21 years.
Fast forward 100 years to 2024, and Warr's Harley-Davidson, Europe's oldest Harley dealership and the world's oldest that is still owned and operated by the founding family, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
On Saturday July 6th this year, pretty much on the same spot where Capt. F. J. first opened his shop doors, thousands of Harley enthusiasts and well-wishers converged on 611 Kings Road in Chelsea, London - truly the birthplace and spiritual home of H-D in the UK - to celebrate the Warr family's achievement.
Harley enthusiasts from all over, including the USA, Canada, Europe and even the Middle East, were there to visit a famous showroom that is full of H-D history, curios and, of course, Harleys.
On show inside were historic machines from as far back as 1912, mixed in with 1920s J Models, 1940s Knuckleheads, Flatheads, Panheads, Evos and, of course, the Warr collection of legendary Harley racers from across the decades.
VIP guest and global Harley ambassador Bill Davidson, who had come over especially for the 100th, presented Warr's boss John Warr with a beautifully handcrafted one-off award made from Rose Gold, recognizing the dealership's 100 years.