One of the strangest episodes in Harley-Davidson’s history is the period when American Machine and Foundry (AMF) owned the company. AMF bought H-D in 1969. For the next 12 years, Harley introduced some unlikely vehicles as it struggled to compete with the emerging Japanese powersports manufacturers.
AMF’s products under the Harley badge in the ’70s included motorcycles, minibikes, three- and four-wheeled utility vehicles, and golf carts, like this 1976 Hot Pink model D recently sold on eBay.
item 1 of 16
Bowling Equipment, Nuclear Reactors, and Golf Carts
That wide range of products isn’t surprising when you consider that AMF produced everything from bowling alley equipment to ski lifts. The company was a jack of all trades. It even made small nuclear reactors for colleges and research labs.
This difficult period in Harley’s history finally ended when a group of Harley executives, including Willie G. Davidson, repurchased Harley-Davidson in 1981.
During the Harley-Davidson/AMF years, the company made two versions of the 1976 Harley golf cart: the electric-powered DE model and the gas-powered D model.
The model sold on eBay is the gas-powered D version. The golf cart has a two-stroke, single-cylinder, 245-cc air-cooled engine that emits the recognizable “ring-ding-ding” sound that’s music to the ears of vintage golf cart enthusiasts.
Oh So Pretty in Pink
This golf cart has sleek fiberglass bodywork and glossy hot pink enamel paint. Its two-tone, automotive-grade seats complement the paint while delivering cushioned comfort for four.
Steel diamond plate - opens in new window or tab. on the floor, rocker panels, and bumpers accentuate the sculpted fiberglass bodywork. While hot pink is not for everybody, the overall look of the Harley by AMF golf cart - opens in new window or tab. should appeal to aficionados and collectors of 1970s kitsch.
Smooth Ride
The cart’s top speed is estimated at a modest 14 miles per hour, yet its smooth ride makes up for the lack of power. The chassis includes an independent leaf spring front suspension with shock absorbers and a solid axle with leaf springs - opens in new window or tab. in the rear.
To reverse the cart, the user engages a unique starter/generator combo that spins the engine in both directions. That requires stopping the cart, shutting off the engine, engaging reverse, and restarting the engine. After backing up, the user restarts the engine in the forward spin direction to move forward once again. It is an odd, albeit functional, method to back up the cart without using the transmission.
The cart’s amenities include integrated cup holders - opens in new window or tab., plush front bucket seats, a rear bench seat, a stereo receiver, and polished golf cart wheels paired with turf-friendly Greensaver Plus GT tires - opens in new window or tab..
Nostalgic 1970s Gold
As of its sale date, this cart started and ran, but a clutch issue prevented drive engagement. This needed to be addressed before putting any miles on the bell-bottom-vibe beast. Nonetheless, this hot pink Harley cart was a rare find for vehicle collectors seeking an unusual piece of 1970s Harley-Davidson nostalgia.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.