Harley-Davidson XA: The Boxer-Engine Motorcycle Few Remember

Bold Detour - Did you know that Harley-Davidson once built a motorcycle powered by a boxer engine? For a brand that has become almost inseparable from the rumble of V-twin cruisers, the idea sounds surprising today. Yet during one of the most challenging periods in modern history, Harley-Davidson briefly stepped away from its traditional formula and created a machine unlike anything else in its lineup.

During World War II, the U.S. Army asked Harley-Davidson to produce a motorcycle as good as BMW's side-valve R71, and here's the result, the Harley-Davidson XA. (Picture from: Trussty)

The story began during World War II, when Harley-Davidson was already supplying motorcycles to the United States Army through the Harley-Davidson WLA. While the WLA served military duties extensively, concerns emerged regarding engine heat, especially in demanding operating conditions. At the same time, military observers were impressed by the capabilities of Germany’s BMW R71, a motorcycle that had proven effective across dramatically different environments, from the freezing landscapes of Eastern Europe to the scorching deserts of North Africa.

Harley-Davidson WLA, another model beside the XA is manufactured as mainstay rides of American GI's during World War II. (Picture from: Trussty)

One of the key reasons behind the BMW’s reputation was its engineering layout. The R71 used a horizontally opposed boxer engine combined with a shaft-drive system. This configuration was valued for its durability, lower operating temperatures, ease of maintenance, and ability to handle a wide range of terrain—qualities that were especially important for military use in active combat zones.

The 1942 Harley-Davidson XA claimed to be able to overcome the heat engine problem on the Harley-Davidson WLA model. (Picture from: ClassicMotorcycle)

Recognizing these advantages, Harley-Davidson carefully examined the technical design of the BMW motorcycle and began developing a comparable machine of its own. The result was the Harley-Davidson XA, introduced in 1942. Although unmistakably American in origin, the XA adopted several concepts that closely mirrored the BMW R71, most notably the boxer engine arrangement and shaft-drive transmission.

Testing the Harley-Davidson XA, that curious 'boxer,' flat-twin, shaft drive motorcycle designed and built for the US Army around 1942. (Picture from: Kits&Coffe in X)

The XA’s design was created with practicality in mind. Its boxer engine positioned the cylinders on opposite sides of the motorcycle, exposing them directly to airflow and helping dissipate heat more efficiently. This engineering choice delivered measurable results. Reports from the period indicated that the XA operated with oil temperatures roughly 56 degrees Celsius lower than those recorded on the V-twin-powered WLA.

The 1942 Harley-Davidson XA had similar features to the BMW R71, namely both using a boxer engine coupled with the shaft drive. (Picture from: GridOto)

Performance was respectable for a military motorcycle of its era. The XA was equipped with a 738 cc boxer engine producing around 23 horsepower. That output allowed the motorcycle to reach a top speed of approximately 104 kilometers per hour, making it capable of handling both transportation and military support duties under a variety of conditions.

With those boxer engine and shaft drive configuration capable make the Harley-Davidson XA run up to a top speed of around 104 kph. (Picture from: BMWDean)

Despite the technical improvements, the XA never became the standard military motorcycle Harley-Davidson had hoped it would be. Production remained limited, with approximately 1,000 units built between 1942 and 1943. In the end, the United States Army chose to continue using the WLA as its primary motorcycle, largely because it was more economical and already established within military logistics and maintenance networks.

Today, the Harley-Davidson XA remains one of the most fascinating chapters in the company’s history. It represents a rare moment when Harley-Davidson looked beyond its traditional engineering philosophy and experimented with ideas inspired by a rival wartime machine. Although its military career was short and many units were eventually sold to civilian riders, the XA stands as a reminder that innovation sometimes emerges from unexpected influences—and that even the most iconic brands can take surprising detours on their journey.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA [13102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIDEAPART | CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | BMW DEAN ]

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Asardo Sports Car: A Forgotten American Dream

Forgotten Ambition - Sports cars have long been symbols of creativity, especially when built by small manufacturers willing to take risks. While famous names often dominate automotive history, many lesser-known brands have fascinating stories of their own. One of them is Asardo, a company that rarely appears in mainstream discussions today. That often leads enthusiasts to ask: Did you ever heard about the Asardo sportscar? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. The brand was real, it operated during the late 1950s and early 1960s, and it produced one of the more unusual American sports car projects of its time. Although its existence was brief, its story remains an interesting chapter in automotive history.

1959 Asardo 1500 AR-S has a compact curvaceous berlinetta fiberglass body. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Asardo was founded in 1959 by Helmut William Schlosser, an Austrian immigrant who had settled in the United States. Before entering the car business, Schlosser owned and operated a machine shop in North Bergen, New Jersey. He was also known as a passionate sports car enthusiast who dreamed of creating a vehicle of his own. The company name was an acronym for American Special Automotive Research and Design Organization. That name reflected the brand’s focus on engineering and experimentation rather than mass production. Unlike major manufacturers, Asardo worked on a very small scale and produced only a handful of designs. This limited output is one reason the brand remains largely unknown today.

1959 Asardo 1500 AR-S whose had a controversy design, said to be inspired by the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

The company’s first sports car project actually began before Asardo was officially established. Its initial design work was completed near the end of 1957, while construction started during 1958. Information about the earliest version is limited, but the best-known model is believed to be the Asardo 1500 AR-S. The car featured a compact fiberglass berlinetta body with smooth, flowing curves. Its styling has often been described as a blend of influences from several European sports cars of the era. Observers have noted similarities to the Maserati 300S at the front and certain Ferrari-inspired elements at the rear. Some enthusiasts have also linked parts of its design character to the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ.

1959 Asardo 1500 AR-S uses a multi-tubular space frame chassis. (Picture from: Zwischengas)

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Asardo 1500 AR-S was the way it combined components from various manufacturers. The dashboard came from a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, and the windshield was also sourced from the same model before being modified to fit. Its bucket seats were borrowed from the Porsche Speedster, while electrical equipment was supplied by Lucas. The most eye-catching feature, however, was its gull-wing door design. Inspired by the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL, the doors used Mercedes hinges and latches along with specially made support struts. This unusual combination of parts gave the car a distinctive personality that stood out from many other sports cars of the period. It also demonstrated Schlosser’s resourceful approach to vehicle development.

1959 Asardo 1500 AR-S is featured with the gull-wing style doors similar to the legendary model of Mercedes-Benz 300SL. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Car in Facebook)

Beneath the bodywork, the Asardo 1500 AR-S used a multi-tubular space-frame chassis designed to keep the car lightweight and agile. Power came from an Alfa Romeo twin-cam inline-four engine that had been enlarged for additional performance. The engine was estimated to produce around 135 horsepower at 6,800 rpm, an impressive figure for such a compact sports car. A four-speed Alfa Romeo manual transmission sent power to the rear wheels. The car eventually made its public debut at the 1959 New York Auto Show, where it introduced the young brand to a wider audience. Unfortunately, disagreements between Schlosser and financial supporters regarding sales and marketing plans soon emerged. Those conflicts ultimately brought the original production program to an end before it could reach full-scale manufacturing.

1960 Asardo 3500 GM-S, an American version fitted with a Buick's '215' aluminum V8 engine and Corvette transmission. (Picture from: RememberRoad)

The Asardo story continued into the early 1960s when Charlie Kolb, a Volkswagen and Porsche dealer from Florida, commissioned a revised version of the car. He wanted the vehicle to accommodate Buick’s lightweight 215-cubic-inch aluminum V8 engine. To make that possible, Schlosser redesigned the chassis while retaining the existing body shape. The updated model was renamed the Asardo 3500 GM-S and used a 3.5-liter Buick V8 paired with a Corvette transmission system. Despite the significant mechanical changes, available evidence suggests that it retained the same overall appearance as the earlier 1500 AR-S. Only a single example of the model was reportedly built, and very little documentation survives today. Even so, Asardo remains a fascinating reminder of a time when ambitious independent builders could transform bold ideas into unique automobiles that still capture attention decades later. *** [EKA [19102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ALLCARINDEX | WIKIPEDIA | ALFABB | ZWISCHENGAS | REMEMBER ROAD ]

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The Mayan Magnum: A Wild 1960s Prototype Built by a Sci-Fi Novelist

Wild Prototype - The post-war optimism of the 1950s and early 1960s brought with it an explosion of futuristic dreams. From fashion to architecture, everything was touched by the spirit of the Jet Age. It was a time when people believed the future had truly arrived—jets were streaking across the skies, space exploration had just begun, and sleek, aerodynamic shapes started to define the modern lifestyle. 

The Mayan Magnum is a wild prototype designed and built by Dean Ing in 1965, based on the Volkswagen Beetle. (Picture from: Hagerty)

Nowhere was this obsession with the future more vividly expressed than in the world of automobiles. Designers weren’t just creating modes of transportation—they were imagining what the future could look like on wheels. The Jet Age spirit pushed creativity to its limits, inspiring bold shapes, experimental engineering, and designs that echoed the excitement of space travel and modern technology. It wasn’t only major automakers who caught this futuristic fever; independent builders and imaginative individuals also stepped up, crafting unique concept cars that defied convention and captured the essence of the era’s optimism.

The Mayan Magnum is a unique two-seater custom car featured with a double-bubble roof and gull-wing bodywork. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

In past discussions, we’ve explored some of these individual efforts, like the 1957 Galileo Concept and the 1960 Di Dia 150. But among the most compelling of these one-off creations is a car so distinctive, it seems as though it was lifted straight from the pages of a science fiction novel. That car is the Mayan Magnum—a truly original prototype built in 1965 by Dean Ing, a man whose background in aerospace and passion for design resulted in one of the most fascinating automotive experiments of the Jet Age. 

The Mayan Magnum—a one-of-a-kind prototype built in 1965 by Dean Ing, whose aerospace background and design passion led to one of the Jet Age’s most fascinating automotive experiments. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Dean Charles Ing, as he was also known, didn’t just want to build a car; he wanted to craft something that expressed the excitement and elegance of the Jet Age in physical form. And he succeeded—with about 3,000 hours of labor poured into the project, the result was as much a sculpture as it was a vehicle.

The 1965 Mayan Magnum by Dean Ing features an aircraft-inspired, sculptural cockpit, complete with a matching dashboard, hidden ancillary gauges, and grab handles for the passenger. (Picture from: eBay)

What makes the Mayan Magnum even more fascinating is how it blends components from various iconic cars to create something completely fresh. The platform and floorpan came from a Volkswagen Beetle, which provided a lightweight and compact base. For power, he opted for a 2.4-liter flat-six engine taken from a Chevrolet Corvair—another rear-engine American classic. That was paired with a Porsche-sourced gearbox, giving the car not just unique looks, but serious engineering credibility.

The Mayan Magnum features two low-back bucket seats trimmed in tan, paired with rich brown carpeting. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Inspired by European rarities like the Maserati 450S Costin Coupe, the Porsche-Glöckler 356, and perhaps even the Durango 95, the Mayan Magnum features flowing lines, an ultra-low profile, and a smooth, rounded form that seems built to glide through the air. Subtle details, such as the Fiat-sourced wraparound windshield, enhance its futuristic character. The overall design is clean, elegant, and visually striking—standing in sharp contrast to the mass-produced cars of its era.

The Mayan Magnum is powered by a rear-mounted, large flat-six engine sourced from a Chevrolet Corvair. (Picture from: eBay)

Step inside, and you’ll find an interior that reflects the same imaginative spirit. The influence of aviation is immediately clear: low-back bucket seats, tan upholstery, a sculpted dashboard, and aircraft-inspired instrument placement all contribute to a cabin that feels more like a cockpit than a car interior. The VW Beetle’s influence is subtly present, too—in the floor layout and speedometer—blending the familiar with the fantastical. 

The 1965 Mayan Magnum by Dean Ing is powered by a 2.4-liter flat-six engine from a Chevrolet Corvair, mounted on the chassis and paired with a Porsche-sourced gearbox. (Picture from: Hagerty)

Despite its obvious appeal, the Mayan Magnum never made it to production. It remained a personal passion project for Dean Ing, a handcrafted example of what could be achieved when creativity meets engineering skill. In 2021, the vehicle appeared at auction through Bring a Trailer, listed by the Ing family. However, with a top bid of $11,750, the reserve wasn’t met. Just a month later, the car finally found a buyer via eBay for $30,500—a modest sum for a machine with such originality and character.😉

The 1965 Mayan Magnum by Dean Ing was clearly influenced by European exotics, particularly the Maserati 450S Costin Coupe by Zagato and the Porsche-Glöckler 356 Coupe. (Picture from: eBay)

The Mayan Magnum may not be a household name today, but that doesn’t diminish its value as a rare gem of Jet Age imagination. Built entirely outside the realm of traditional car manufacturers, it stands as a testament to what one passionate individual can achieve with the right blend of creativity, knowledge, and determination. Dean Ing didn’t just design a car—he shaped a vision that captured the spirit of an era obsessed with speed, innovation, and the possibilities of tomorrow.

The Mayan Magnum feels like a true realization of its creator’s vision—featuring smooth, streamlined bodywork designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind. (Picture from: Barnfinds)

What makes the Mayan Magnum truly special is how it blends everyday components with a level of design sophistication that rivals many factory-produced concept cars of its time. From its sleek, European-influenced exterior to its aviation-inspired interior, every detail reflects Dean Ing’s background in aeronautics and his fearless approach to design. This wasn’t a car built for mass appeal—it was built for the pure joy of invention and personal expression.

For those fortunate enough to see it in person, the Mayan Magnum is more than just a car—it’s a rolling piece of history, a physical embodiment of an optimistic era when the future seemed limitless. It's a reminder that innovation doesn't always come from big corporations or massive budgets. Sometimes, it comes from a garage, a dream, and someone daring enough to build something the world has never seen before. *** [EKA [01022022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | HAGERTY | BRING A TRAILER | BARNFINDS | EBAY ]

Rare Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione: Pininfarina’s Untamed Concept Car

Visionary Metal - After previously diving into the rarely seen Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale — a stunning concept crafted by Pininfarina in 1965 — it’s only natural to explore another exceptional piece from the same lineage. Meet the 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione, a one-off creation that doesn’t just follow in the footsteps of its older sibling, but boldly redefines the boundaries of what a concept car could be. 

The one-of-a-kind 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione Prototipo, crafted by Pininfarina, stands as a singular design study that blends racing heritage with avant-garde styling in a truly unforgettable concept car. (Picture from: 95Customs)

Unlike production Ferraris or even race-hardened track cars, the Dino 206 Competizione was never intended for sale or competition. It was a design study, a thought experiment brought to life by the legendary Pininfarina design house at Ferrari’s request. The mission was to create a road-going supercar using advanced racing techniques and components — and what emerged was unlike anything seen before.

The 1966 Ferrari Dino 206 Sports Racer, which served as the foundation for the Dino 206 Competizione, provided the racing chassis and engineering inspiration behind its radical design transformation.. (Picture from: 95Customs)

Penned by designer Paolo Martin, the car took shape atop one of just 18 racing chassis originally built for the Dino 206SP in 1966. That racing heritage is evident the moment you lay eyes on it. Its dramatic, almost alien form features a bubble-like glass canopy, giving it a distinct fishbowl cockpit and an ultra-low driving position. Everything about the shape feels sculpted for airflow and presence — aggressive, futuristic, and unmistakably unique.

The 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione boasts a range of unique features, including a fishbowl-style cockpit, a distinctive duck-beak front wing, a rear spoiler, cobalt-blue racing harnesses, and striking gull-wing doors. (Picture from: 95Customs)

Interestingly, the initial version lacked wings. But to give the car an even more forward-thinking, motorsport-inspired appearance, Pininfarina later added a duck-beak style front wing and a subtle rear spoiler. The cobalt-blue racing harnesses inside only added to the machine’s character, blending function with flair. These were not additions made for show — they were meant to elevate the sense that this car belonged somewhere ahead of its time.

The 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione, shown with its dramatic gull-wing doors opened, reveals an even more futuristic and race-inspired character that highlights its bold design language. (Picture from: 95Customs)

Powering this visual statement was the same 6-cylinder, longitudinally mounted mid-engine that Ferrari used in their 1966 Le Mans race cars. While the Dino 206 Competizione was never destined to race, it carried the same mechanical spirit, and that connection to performance lent it credibility as more than just a static concept. Its debut at the 1967 Frankfurt Auto Show made a bold impression, standing not just as a car, but as a declaration of design freedom.

The 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione is powered by a 6-cylinder, mid-mounted longitudinal engine, the same type used in Ferrari’s 1966 Le Mans race cars, emphasizing its deep connection to motorsport engineering. (Picture from: 95Customs)

After its public debut, the car spent decades housed at Pininfarina’s museum in Turin, admired but rarely seen outside of insider circles. That changed in 2007, when noted Ferrari collector James Glickenhaus acquired it and brought it to the United States. For Glickenhaus — already known for assembling some of the rarest and most striking Ferrari models — the Dino 206 Competizione was a natural fit. Today, it resides alongside his other legendary pieces such as the bespoke Ferrari P4/5, the racing-bred P4/5 Competizione, and the otherworldly Ferrari 512S Modulo Concept. 

In many ways, the Dino 206 Competizione isn’t just a car — it’s a conversation between design and performance, a moment in history when imagination took the wheel. Though it never saw a production line or starting grid, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who appreciate cars not just as machines, but as art. *** [EKA [30102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 95CUSTOMS | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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Lil Redd Wrecker: A Show-Stopping Custom Wrecker

Chrome Spectacle - Most tow trucks are built to work, not to attract attention. Lil Redd Wrecker broke that rule completely. Created in the early 1970s for comedian and Sanford & Son star Redd Foxx, this custom wrecker turned an ordinary utility vehicle into one of the most unusual show trucks of its era.

Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker built by the famous builder George Barris in the early 1970s. (Picture from: TowForce.net)

The project is closely associated with legendary customizer George Barris, whose name is linked to many famous Hollywood vehicles. For Lil Redd Wrecker, Barris transformed the truck into a rolling spectacle with a hand-built steel body, tube-frame construction, Corvette rear suspension, and a dramatic tilt-front cab topped by a tinted sky window. An oval grille, quad rectangular headlights, and extensive chrome work gave it a futuristic appearance that looked nothing like a conventional wrecker.

The cabin of the Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker covered dominantly with red-velvet while the blue on its seater side. (Picture from: TowForcenet)

Its mechanical layout was just as unconventional. A chrome-plated, supercharged 392-cubic-inch Chrysler engine sat in the middle of the vehicle, while the cockpit featured a rare center-steering arrangement. Power braking and hydraulic controls added to the truck’s highly customized character.

The gorgeous Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker is powered by an all chrome plated supercharged 392 cubic inches Chrysler's mid-mounted engine. (Picture from: TapaTalk)

Inside, Joe Perez created a striking cabin trimmed with crushed blue velvet, foam-pattern upholstery, and antique-look vinyl. The rear recovery unit was fully chrome plated and operated by electric push buttons. Dual MOON fuel tanks, deep-dish chrome wheels, custom pinstriping, gold-leaf graphics, and thirty coats of Kandy Redd paint completed the truck’s unforgettable look.

Although it was originally built as a show vehicle rather than a working tow truck, Lil Redd Wrecker remains an important piece of custom-car history. Restored to running condition decades later, it continues to reflect the creativity and excess that defined 1970s American show-car culture. Even today, its design feels bold enough to stand out in any automotive event. *** [EKA [30082020]  | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARIS.COM | TOWFORCE.NET | MOTORIOUS.COM]

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The Mars A20: A Unique Icon of Early Motorcycling

Visionary Machine - Seeing the Mars A20 antique motorcycle today feels like stepping into a different rhythm of engineering history, where machines were not just built for function but also carried a bold sense of experimentation. Among the many early European two-wheelers that shaped the foundation of modern motorcycling, the Mars A20 antique motorcycle stands out as a rare glimpse into how far design thinking had already evolved in the early 20th century. Its presence reflects a period when innovation was still raw, yet surprisingly ambitious, especially in Germany’s rapidly growing industrial landscape.

1921 Mars A20 White Mars. (Picture from: Yesterdays.nl)

The story behind the Mars A20 begins long before motorcycles became the company’s focus. In 1873, Paul Reissmann established Mars in Nuremberg, Germany, initially as a manufacturer of iron stoves and furnaces. Over time, the company expanded its expertise into producing mechanical sirens, grinding machines, and even bicycles, gradually building a strong foundation in mechanical engineering. This steady transformation from household heating products to precision machinery set the stage for Mars to eventually step into the automotive world.

1921 Mars A20 White Mars already has a protective wing to avoid the rider's feet and from water splashes. (Picture from: Yesterdays.nl)

By 1903, Mars had already started experimenting with motorcycles and small car construction, marking a significant turning point in its industrial journey. Among its most remarkable creations emerged the Mars A20, also known as the Weiße Mars or “White Mars,” designed in 1920 by engineer Claus Franzenburger. While the white version became the most iconic, the motorcycle was also available in red and green variations, each reflecting a slightly different visual personality but sharing the same engineering spirit that defined Mars’ approach to design during that era.

1921 Mars A20 White Mars uses a Maybach's boxer twin engine that has a capacity of 955 cc.(Picture from: Yesterdays.nl)

Technically, the Mars A20 antique motorcycle was powered by a Maybach boxer twin engine with a displacement of 955 cc, an impressive specification for its time. Despite its relatively modest output—estimated at around 7 horsepower at the wheel and approximately 12 horsepower at the crankshaft—the machine was built with intention and balance rather than brute force. Its pressed steel frame gave it a futuristic silhouette, setting it apart from many contemporaries that still relied on more traditional construction methods, and reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking machine.

However, like many ambitious engineering ventures of the early automotive age, Mars faced challenges beyond design and innovation. The economic instability brought by the inflation crisis around 1923 to 1924 placed significant pressure on the company, gradually weakening its financial foundation. Although Mars continued operating for decades afterward, it eventually ceased production in 1958. Today, the Mars A20 antique motorcycle remains a fascinating reminder of an era when engineering companies were still defining what mobility could become, and its legacy continues to resonate with collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the roots of motorcycle evolution.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins.... *** [EKA [30122019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | YESTERDAYS.NL ]

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