MotoeXotica is pleased to offer this AUTHENTIC Civilian 1945 Cushman Airborne scooter in Army Green. This is a Cushman Auto Glide Model 53 Motor Scooter made for WW2 Airborne troops. After the war was over, there were a few Military Airborne frames left over. As it was the end of the model year and the frames needed to be used, the frames were then built for civilian US market. Cushman added a generator, front suspension, a front headlight and rear taillight. This is a very rare Cushman scooter as it was only produced for two months in 1945 before the 1946 model year was introduced as a full Civilian Airborne scooter. The rugged, simple Model 53 was designed to travel through a foot of water, climb a 25 percent grade and had a range of about 100 miles.While the little Cushman scooters found a ready civilian market in the late 1930s, it was during World War II that the companys name and products spread around the world. More than 15,000 of its vehicles were produced for all branches of the armed forces, used in camps, bases and ports worldwide. The Airborne Scooters had a parachute hook built into the machine. The Airborne was heavier than a regular Cushman scooter, with bigger gears in the transmission and made of heavy iron, solidly welded together. The vehicle was built strongly enough to withstand damage if the parachute didnt open. The machine might be bent, but it would still be drivable. Military Airborne model 53 introduced 4,734 sold to US government In the late stages of the war in Europe, Allied paratroopers used scooters like this one to maintain contact between units, increase their mobility and haul small loads. The 82nd Airborne used many of these in France after D-Day. Very rarely do you find these available for sale as they were military issue and most never came back from Europe. This scooter has a Cushman 1-cylinder 16m71 of 4.6 hp, chain driven. The maximum speed is about 40 mph and it weighs about 255 lbs. This scooter has a leather seat in great shape, expect for a few stains. There is no VIN but the engine number is A35795. There is no speedometer, odometer or any gauges. This sturdy scooter is in great shape considering how old it is. It doesnt have any major damage. There are no dents. The paint has some minor scratches and dinged in a couple of very small places. You can tell this scooter has been placed in a garage for most of its life, by the lack of rust. The tires appear to be original Cushman 6.00-6 rib tires. This scooter is an eye catcher. Grab a piece of history with this Cushman Airborne scooter. Sold on a bill of sale only. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!