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Willie G. Davidson
William G. Davidson serves as Chief Styling Officer Emeritus and Brand Ambassador at Harley-Davidson, Inc. Affectionately called “Willie G.” by millions of motorcycle enthusiasts, his creations inc...view moreWilliam G. Davidson serves as Chief Styling Officer Emeritus and Brand Ambassador at Harley-Davidson, Inc. Affectionately called “Willie G.” by millions of motorcycle enthusiasts, his creations include the design of several of Harley-Davidson's most admired motorcycles. His artistic vision and passion for riding have made him a legend among throngs of enthusiasts worldwide that consider him the patriarch of motorcycling.
Born with gasoline in his veins, Davidson is the son of former Harley-Davidson president, William H. Davidson, and the grandson of one of the original founders, William A. Davidson. For forty-nine years, he helped shape the look, sound, and feel that define Harley-Davidson motorcycles. During the 1980s and 1990s, he developed unique designs which kept Harley-Davidson motorcycles selling while the company completed technological and manufacturing improvements. Based in heritage and tradition, Davidson is responsible for the visual design of such classics as the FX Super Glide, FX Low Rider, Cafe Racer, Heritage Softail Classic, Softail Springer, Fat Boy, Road King, Softail Deuce, V-Rod, Cross Bones, and the Street Glide.
A native of Wisconsin, Davidson attended the University of Wisconsin for three years before transferring to the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. He joined Harley-Davidson in 1963, when he was invited to set-up its motorcycle design department. In 1981, Davidson was one of thirteen executives who raised more than $75 million to purchase Harley-Davidson from AMF Incorporated.
As an avid rider, Davidson clocked thousands of miles on the open road each year. His family, including his wife Nancy, made Harley-Davidson the center of their lifestyles. Through his life-long devotion to the Motor Company, Davidson has watched firsthand as Harley-Davidson has evolved into a true American icon.view less