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.
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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.