The Harley-Davidson WLA is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was produced to US Army specifications during and around World War II. It was based on an existing civilian model, designed, W-family of motorcycles; L-High Compression; and A-Army. It is the 45 solo type, so called due to its 45-cubic-inch engine displacement and single-rider design. It acquired the nickname “Liberator.” Some 70,000 Harley-Davidsons were produced from 1940 until war’s end.
Harley-Davison would also produce a model for the Canadian Army, which was designed WLC. The WLCs differed from WLAs chiefly in the use of some heavier components, usually Big Twin parts, as well as Canadian blackout lighting. Most WLCs were produced in 1942 and 1943 and are marked 42WLC or 43WLC. Harley-Davidson would also produce a close WLA variant for the UK, South Africa, and other allies, as well as filling orders for different models from the Navy and Marine Corps.
