On this day in 1959...
This special XLCA racing model was the brainchild of Dick O’Brien, Harley's Director of Racing for many years. It started out as a 1959 XLH with the new, deeply-valenced front fender. The headlight, nacelle, taillight and license plate bracket were removed, as they were not needed for off-road racing. A special lightweight primary cover was fitted - it was extra-thin, and missing the usual "Sportster" logo and ridges. An innovative improvement, the Air-Glide rear fender mounting system shaves almost 10 pounds off the curb weight by obviating the need for the rear fender struts. Close inspection will show several other external improvements.
We're not sure what hi-performance modifications went on inside the engine, but nothing Mr. O'Brien built ever went slow. We believe that only one XLCA was produced, and unfortunately only the photo survives. But maybe, just maybe, the one and only XLCA is hiding in a barn somewhere.