William G. Davidson
1993, Promotion
Willie G. Davidson serves as vice president of Styling for Harley-Davidson, Inc., Motorcycle Division. He is responsible for the successful, traditional designs of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. All motorcycle products are styled by him and his associates at Harley-Davidson's Milwaukee headquarters.
Willie G. is the son of former Harley-Davidson president William H. Davidson and the grandson of one of the original founders, William A. Davidson. He is generally credited for developing the unique motorcycle designs which kept Harley-Davidson motorcycles selling while the company completed its technological and manufacturing improvements. Based on heritage and tradition, Davidson oversees the look of all Harley-Davidson products, as well as being responsible for the classic FX SuperGlide, FX Lowrider, Cafe Racer, Heritage Softail Classic, Springer and Fat Boy motorcycle designs.
A native of Wisconsin, Willie G. attended the University of Wisconsin for three years before transferring to the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. He spent more than five years with the Brooks Stevens Associates, designing products ranging from furniture to outboard motors. He joined Harley-Davidson in 1963.
He is one of the 13 executives who raised more than $75 million to purchase the Harley-Davidson Company back from AMF, Inc. in 1981.
Mr. Davidson was inducted for his tireless efforts in promoting Harley Davidsons specifically and motorcycling in general.
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