1944 Cushman 53 Autoglide Scooter | The National Military History Center | RM Sotheby's

Lot 101

The National Military History Center

1944 Cushman 53 Autoglide Scooter

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$5,000 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
A17505
Addendum: All military vehicles and artifacts offered in this sale are sold "As Is" and "For collector purposes only". These military vehicles and artifacts should never be loaded and/or fired with any ammunition. We make no warranty and/or representations as to the suitability or fitness of these items for use. By purchasing military vehicles and artifacts you hereby and irrevocably waive any and all claims against Auctions America by RM, Inc. and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Auctions America by RM, Inc. from any injuries or death associated with these military vehicles and artifacts. Please note, there may be an associated licensing fee based on the location of licensing, and bidder must satisfy himself as to all licensing and import requirements in his home state or country.

Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.

ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.

Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only.

Manufacturer: Cushman Motor Works, Lincoln, Nebraska

Production Year: 1944

Engine: Husky 16M71, 14.9-cid, side-valve, 4.6-hp, air-cooled, one-cylinder, gasoline

Transmission: Two-speed gearbox; chain-driven rear wheel via centrifugal clutch

Brakes: Mechanical (rear only)

Length: 77-inches

Width: 23-inches

Height: 38-inches

Weight: 255-pounds

Armor: None

Armament: None

Maximum Road Speed: 40-mph

Markings: US Army olive drab paint

The Cushman 53 entered service in March 1944. It was designed as scooter to be used by US paratroopers. It was considered a disposable vehicle, if and when the situation warranted it. The Cushman 53 had parachute attaching rings so the little scooter could be parachute-dropped with the paratroopers. The construction was very simple, with a channel member running along one side, around the rear wheel and back along the other side. Two loops ran up and over from one side of the main frame to the other side. One ran ahead of the engine and supported the front of the seat while the other was positioned towards the rear frame, just ahead of the rear wheel spindle. The two loops were joined by horizontal bars that served to protect the engine and provide a mounting for the seat springs. A steering head was formed at the front and panels from it ran down and back to provide an apron, footboards and small leg-shields. The front forks were unsprung with reinforcing struts and had welded-on handlebars. The engine was a single-cylinder, four-stroke industrial-type with fan cooling and a flywheel magneto. A side-car and three-wheel (two in front) model was also made. 4,734 Cushman 53s were built.

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