Unique Cushman Scooter: A Tribute to Chevrolet's 1950s Legacy

Rare GEMS - The automotive world is filled with stories of admiration and respect, where companies honor the legacy of iconic brands. One such example comes from the 1950s when Cushman Motor Works, a respected American scooter manufacturer, created a unique tribute to Chevrolet. This gesture shows how even within the competitive automotive industry, respect for another company’s achievements can result in creative expressions of homage, blending two worlds—scooters and automobiles—into a fascinating fusion of design and engineering.

The 1957 Cushman Chevy Tribute is sat on display at the Miami Auto Museum. (Picture from: TheMiamiAutoMuseum)

Chevrolet, a key player in the American automotive industry and a part of General Motors, has long been admired for its innovative vehicles. In the 1950s, the brand became synonymous with bold designs and cutting-edge technology, influencing the direction of global automotive trends.

Amid this success, Cushman Motor Works, though not as widely known as Chevrolet, was already carving out its own reputation in the scooter industry. Founded in the early 20th century, Cushman became known for its scooters, including the iconic Cushman Airborne Scooter Model 53, which played a notable role during World War II. Despite its focus on scooters, Cushman had a respected position in the automotive world, especially in the United States.

The 1957 Cushman Chevy Tribute probably uses the same as the Cushman Road King model which is a 720cc, 2-stroke engine which is coupled to an automatic transmission system. (Picture from: TheMiamiAutoMuseum)

In 1957, Cushman decided to honor Chevrolet’s impact with a tribute scooter that was visually inspired by Chevrolet's cars from the 1950s. This scooter, though not officially labeled as a Chevrolet tribute by Cushman, clearly drew design elements from Chevrolet’s most iconic vehicles.

The Cushman Chevy Tribute scooter featured a striking white and red color scheme, chrome accents, and a design that echoed the boxy headlights and tail fins of Chevrolet’s 1950s cars. The scooter was also equipped with a steering wheel and pedals for the throttle and brake, adding a unique twist to the typical scooter design. Its engine was likely similar to the 720cc, 2-stroke engine found in the Cushman Road King model, paired with an automatic transmission, making it a functional yet artistic tribute to the beloved Chevrolet.

The 1957 Cushman Chevy Tribute is painted in a white-red color with chrome-accents also has a steering wheel with two pedals (throttle and brake). (Picture from: TheMiamiAutoMuseum)

The company, founded in the early 20th century, gained significant experience and is considered one of the pioneers of the scooter world, particularly with its Cushman Airborne Scooter Model 53. These U.S. military scooters are believed to have influenced Corradino D'Ascanio in his design work for Innocenti and Piaggio in the late 1940s.

The 1957 Cushman Chevy Tribute's front section featured single-hooded boxy headlight. (Picture from: TheMiamiAutoMuseum)

Today, the Cushman Chevy Tribute has become a rare collector's item, with examples occasionally appearing for sale at prestigious places like the Miami Auto Museum, where it was recently listed for $29,995 (approximately 438 million Rupiah). This tribute is a testament to the creativity and respect within the automotive industry, showcasing how Cushman used their talents to honor another company’s legacy.

The 1957 Cushman Chevy Tribute's rear side attached the Chevy's typical chromed-tail fins completed with the two rear lights and bumper. (Picture from: TheMiamiAutoMuseum)

The admiration for Chevrolet's 1950s vehicles didn’t stop with Cushman. Another notable tribute comes from Lupo Racing, a custom motorcycle builder known for creating unique, high-performance machines. One of Lupo Racing's standout creations is the "Chevy Bel Air" motorcycle, a truly stunning piece of engineering that pays homage to the classic Chevrolet Bel Air. 

This is another similar-themed bike made by Lupo Racing called HD Bel Air portrayed side by side with its inspiration source, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (Picture from: DigitalTour)

Unlike the Cushman scooter, the Lupo Racing H-D Bel Air is a full-fledged motorcycle, skillfully designed to reflect the iconic 1950s Bel Air with custom paint, styling, and details that honor the classic car’s legendary aesthetics. This motorcycle combines the spirit of Chevrolet’s classic car with the power and thrill of a modern motorcycle, giving enthusiasts a new way to experience the Bel Air legacy.

These two tributes—Cushman’s Chevy Tribute scooter and the Lupo Racing Chevy Bel Air motorcycle—highlight the lasting influence of Chevrolet’s 1950s vehicles. Whether through a whimsical scooter or a high-performance motorcycle, these designs show how automotive history continues to inspire new creations and honor the legacy of iconic cars. These tributes are not just about nostalgia; they are about continuing the story of innovation and creativity that defined Chevrolet and other legendary automotive brands.

If you find the article above inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information about this marque, please feel free to share it in the comments section below.

 

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA [09082020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THEMIAMIAUTOMUSEUM.COM | WEIRDWHEELS]

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