Model Designation

This Cushman Motor Scooter was made for WW2 Airborne troops. The rugged, simple Model 32 was designed to travel through a foot of water, climb a 25 percent grade and had a range of about 100 miles.

History

The Cushman Motor Works was in the business of making engines for industrial and farm use. Around 1936 they decided that they could sell more engines if they made a scooter to put it on. The company grew slowly until WWII. During WWII they made three models of Cushman scooters: the model 32 as shown, a model 39 three-wheeler and a model 53 airborne that was parachuted out of aircraft. 495 of the Model 32 military scooters with side cars were ordered by the US armed forces in WWII.

They were issued with 7-inch, 8-inch or 9-inch tires, and came with minimal lighting and brackets to save on materials. A statement to economy, the Model 32 could go over 75 miles on one gallon of gas.

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.