Collecting Treasures: They are a desirable collectible that could garner a pretty penny for a restored machine
Recently, we sold a restored 1958 Cushman Husky scooter at auction for $2,825, which is $2,600 more than the original asking price back in 1958.
Cushman began manufacturing scooters back in 1936 that were used not only for civilian use, but for commercial use as well. These nifty scooters were a cheap option for deliveries since they averaged 100 miles per gallon and they had options to add storage on them.
Cushman scooters didn’t really hit the mainstream until World War II — that’s when they started supplying all military branches with them, and they even manufactured a scooter designed to be dropped out of an airplane.
It was called the Airborne. It had a hook designed for a parachute and was built to withstand ground impact without the parachute deploying. And, it still could be driven. Now, think about that — that’s one tough scooter!
The Husky we just sold isn’t one you would want to drop out of a plane, that’s for sure, but it is definitely one anyone would be proud to drive.
Cushman scooters are like any scooter or motorcycle from that time in history. They are a desirable collectible that, depending on how many had been manufactured, could garner a pretty penny for a restored machine. And even parts can be expensive since original parts are no longer manufactured.
When it comes to restoring scooters, collectors want original parts since it will add to the value of the scooter. And, sometimes remanufactured parts are not available.
Scooters and motorcycles from that time period don’t necessarily have to be restored or even in perfect condition for the price to be high, as collectors are always looking for parts to complete their projects as well as parts manuals, old sales ads and signs.
After all, what collector of a Cushman scooter wouldn’t want to park his scooter in his man cave with original Cushman advertising signs plastered on the walls surrounding his scooter?
So, like I’ve said before, don’t assume something old is junk. If you have an old scooter or motorcycle stored out in the garage or barn that’s just gathering dust, you may want to resurrect it yourself or put it up for auction so it may be brought back to its glory by its new owner.
Erik Hoyer co-owns EJ’s Auction & Consignment in Glendale and J. Levine Auction & Appraisal in Scottsdale. Contact: erik@ejsauction.com, www.ejsauction.com or @EJs_Auction on Twitter.
