All of these scooters ever served in battlefields during WWII

Tough Scooters The need for a reliable vehicle is very supportive of the smooth running of a military operation in a war situation. For this reason, in several wars that have occurred in the world, it is known that many manufacturers have supplied two-wheeled vehicles, especially motorcycles which were developed specifically for military purposes. 

During WWII the Cushman Motor Works built aroud 495 units of this Cushman Model 32 with sidecars for US armed forces. (Picture from: Fagenfighterswwiimuseum)

It turned out that among many two-wheeled vehicles had been involved in wars, there were also special scooters that had tasks for military logistics, personnel transportation up to special forces rides. For example, during the World War II, the American military deployed hundreds up to thousands of the Cushman scooters in Europe to support the Allies troops operations there.

The military version of Cushman scooters is built based of the Auto Glide (in pictured the 1934 Cushman Auto Glide Model 34). (Picture from: Mecum)

All of these tough scooters are made by the Cushman Motor Works, a Nebraska-based manufacturing company. The Nebraska-based manufacturer company was in the business of making engines for industrial and farm use. Initially, the company grew slowly until WWII, up to they decided that could be sold more engines they made by producing a scooter named Cushman Auto Glide around 1934. At that time, the Cushman-made scooter was fairly economical with the consumption of 1 gallon of fuel and it could cover a distance of up to 75 miles.

During WWII the Cushman Motor Works built aroud 4,700 units of this Cushman Model 39 three-wheeler for US armed forces. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Once upon a time Cushman Motor Works then got the US military contract for developing the military version scooters that can be deployed and moved fast into battlefield. To fullfil the contract, during WWII they made three models of scooters based of the Auto Glide, ie the Cushman Model 32, Cushman Model 39 three-wheeler and Cushman Model 53 Airborne. They were issued models with 7-inch, 8-inch or 9-inch tires, and came with minimal lighting and brackets to save on materials.

This Cushman Model 39 three-wheeler proved useful on air and naval bases as a general purpose utility cart to tow anything ranging of a jeep, truck even an aircraft. (Picture from: Blog.streetsideauto.com)

All of the models successfully attract the US' Department of Defense due to its excellent agility and capability on the battlefield, more over the Model 53 is powered by a little one-cylinder 4 hp engine, which was good for run up to speed of 40 mph, and the wide tires were designed to run and survive in Europe’s muddy dirt roads.

1943 Cushman Model 53 Airborne scooter was able to parachuted out of aircraft and also featured with wide tires were designed to run and survive in Europe’s muddy dirt roads. (Picture from: Motorbikesearchengine)

The scooter also known as with the Cushman Airborne due to it was able to parachuted out of aircraft. It's known that the American troops had used the Cushman Model 53 Airborne to get around German defense tactics of destroying roads and bridges in the Dolomites (a section of the Alps) and the Austrian border areas.

1943 Cushman Model 53 Airborne scooter is powered by a little one-cylinder 4 hp engine, which was good for 40 mph. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

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. An extraordinary ability shown by this scooter on the European battlefield. 

Blue print of the Lambretta 125M (A) known as the first Innocenti-made scooter based of the Cushman Airborne Model 53. (Picture from: IdnTimes)

And shortly after the war was over, the Cushman Model 53 made as the inspiration sources for Corradino D'Ascanio in creating initial scooter design for Innocenti but failed to have a certain deal and then gave it to Piaggio. The inspired scooter design of the Model 53 later produced by those Italian company duo became the most popular scooters in the world until now.💃

And if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to this marque, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.

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

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Lazzarini introduces the electric-powered limo concept specially for the rich in you

SuperVillain Rides Not like usual, this is just a parable to illustrate how unique the following car design is. Well, for example, we currently live in the comic world along with the rich superhero character of Batman in Gotham City who also known has a myriad of great vehicles such as the Batmobile, Batpod, Tumbler and others.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered supercar had an appearence of a four-seats electric-powered limousine that looks like a prototype of something that proper to drive by a rich super-villain in the 1980s to early 1990s. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Then have you ever imagined what kind of a proper four-wheeled vehicle would fit for the character of the rich supervillain? Maybe some of you will just shrug, because don't know what to say. And some might answer the Captain Nemo's Nautilus car, Schmidt Hydra Coupé or even the Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' and others.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered supercar has length dimention of about 21.5-feet, while a wheelbase is almost eight feet wide. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Those such cars mentioned earlier might be too classic and old school for today's rich supervillains. So is there such a car and who designed it? After seeing the picture of the car above, of course you will think that there is a car that has a unique design and deserves to be driven by such the rich supervillains.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered long-snout supercar has a unique fancy canopy door features that opens from the back to the existing two doors. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Again, this is just an illustration, and of course it has nothing to do with a great car design made by an Italian car designer named Pierpaolo Lazzarini. As we all knew that he was a designer behind the Jet Capsule projects and the UFO houseboats, and by the end of 2020  he is revealed a new vehicle model named the Lazzarini One.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered supercar is technically an AWD hybrid, with a 600 hp engine and an additional 1,200 hp from four electric Bosch motors, one for every wheel. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Now and then, he does automotive concepts, sometimes just from a scratch, or starting from famous car marque like the Ferrari or the Fiat. The Lazzarini One is probably one of his the least talked-about projects, and would be had an appearence of a four-seats electric-powered limousine that looks like a prototype of something that proper to drive by a rich super-villain in the 1980s to early 1990s against the Batmobile.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered supercar perfectly unifies the futuristic and retro components into one. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Furthermore, Lazzarini describes this 1,200 horsepower four-seater as an electric limousine maybe a better and more precise description would be a supercar or a luxury sedan. It is technically an AWD hybrid, with a 600 hp engine and an additional 1,200 hp from four electric Bosch motors, one for every wheel. It is about 21.5-feet long, while a wheelbase is almost eight feet wide. Uniquely, the vehicle boasts an impressive canopy door that opens the roof from the back.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered supercar looks like something that would perfectly fit in the Tim Burton’s Batman universe, but coupled with an extra note of aggressiveness. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Considering the style, Lazzarini One unifies the futuristic and retro components. This extraordinary electric limousine looks like something that would perfectly fit in the Tim Burton’s Batman universe, but coupled with an extra note of aggressiveness and if it could be made into real world estimated the price very high as well, about €2,298,500 which is roughly $3.09 million at today’s exchange rate.

For someone who wanna has Lazzarini One, so he or she should be ready pay around €2.55 million, which is roughly $3.09 million at today’s exchange rate. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Unfortunately, Lazzarini didn’t offer specific details on this electric limousine project, which ended with a lack of attention in comparison to other projects. But one thing is for sure, this project serves as a reminder that we can shape the future whatever it is, according to our dreams and desires. If you were a visionary billionaire eager to draw supervillain comparisons, you should had this car. 😎

On his website, as you can read his motto, in which he states that he is a designer that believes in taking a different design approach. We can agree that he’s holding to it until today, while seen one of his craziest creations such the Lazzarini 550 Italia Prototipo Uno. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAZZARRINIDESIGNSTUDIO | AUTOEVOLUTION | EDELSWISS-LIMOUSINE.CH ]

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Here's a fierce Chinese-made SUV that is the result of a cross between the Bronco and the Defender

Better Hurry As we all knew that the Chinese auto industry is moving along with the times that are happening in other parts of the world, including the transition from internal combustion cars to electric vehicles that come in all categories, including SUVs.

The Chery Jetour T-X Concept while on display in a brand-specific event that took place in Fuzhou, China. (Picture from: Chinapev)

And some time ago Chery Automobile, an Chinese automotive company managed to surprise the world's automotive public through the appearance of a radical SUV concept car called the Chery Jetour T-X Concept. Although it is still a concept stage, the mentioned car is considered to have great potential for success in the market.

As summarized by Chinapev, which states that the driving factors for manufacturers to introduce this concept car are the re-popularity of retro designs and the higher sales of new SUV-types in the mentioned country. For your information, Jetour is a sub-brand of the Chery Holding Group which was founded in 2018 and now sells more than 150,000 units of car per year.

The Chery Jetour T-X Concept's front fascia similar to the Ford Bronco, is featured with illuminated Jetour lettering on the grille and modern style LEDs headlights. (Picture from: Carscoops)

There is something interesting about this Chery-made concept car that we can see in its exterior appearance, in which the Chery Jetour TX Concept figure by design can be likened to a cross-breeding between the new Ford Bronco which is represented by its front fascia and the Land Rover Defender which is reflected in the design of the windows and the car's back.

As You can see, this car uses large dark colored glass pillars, with a floating roof design, in addition on the side there is also no visible handle on the door, making the car's side appearances look so minimalist.

The Chery Jetour T-X Concept's side looks minimalist with large dark colored glass pillars, a floating roof design and without visible handle on the door. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Besides that, on the front there is an illuminated Jetour lettering on the grille, coupled with another car's exterior characteristics such the use of LED headlights, boxy fenders, and four A/T big tires. Those are accompanied by yellow accents in some parts. Meanwhile, the roof has a roof rack which adds to the feel of adventure in this concept car.

As quoted of Carscoops, the car concept unit had presented and appeared at the auto exhibition in Fuzhou, China is still a static prototype, aka it does not have an engine neither the interior as it uses dark black glass.

The Chery Jetour T-X Concept's rear end seem like to the Land Rover Defender with integrated LEDs taillight enhance the concept’s adventurous style. (Picture from: Autofun.co.id)

Furthermore, this car is claimed to have efficient energy consumption, this can be seen after in an official release the manufacturer stated that the Chery Jetour T-X Concept built based of the Chery-developed new Kunlun architecture to be able paired with a 'Kunpeng' plug-in hybrid engine.

Unmitigated, in addition to having a fairly economical fuel consumption, which is around 100 km per liter, the electric power supplied from the batteries is able to move the Chery's concept car as far as 1,000 km. Other information mentioned, that the concept car is also equipped with adaptive suspension and an all-wheel drive system complete with differential lock.

Still qouted of Carscoops, the Jetour TX production version will be marketed starting in 2023, and is predicted to be sold with a price range from CHN ¥150,000 to ¥300,000 (approximately Rp. 338.2 million to Rp. 375.7 million). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CHINAPEV | CARSCOOPS ]

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One of the rare cars from Russia

Fancy Russian-made Car This car is rarely known by anyone, let alone rarely does anyone know that this car was made by a Russian company. The car mentioned was the Russo-Baltique Impression is a prime works from the Russian company, Russo-Baltique in over 80 years.

The Russo-Baltique Impression is is powered by a Maybach V12 engine, so the car has a lot of power. (Picture from: Avtopremial.ru)

For your info, Russo-Baltique history began in 1907 with 30-hp open two-seater, and by 1912, a special sport model won two first awards in the Monte-Carlo Rally. From there, they appealed to his royal highness Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, and produced some of the most well appointed cars before his forced abdication in 1917.

Left side view of Russo-Baltique Impression. (Picture from: Caradasiac)

The Russian original coupé prioritize high-quality materials which has a length of 5.2 m was designed using a combination of retro and modern style. Retro impression is displayed through the rear fender that covered almost the entire rear wheel. And while the modern nuances can be seen from its grill which has a shape similarity with the owned by Bugatti Veyron.

The Russo-Baltique Impression interior is trumped by an extensive use of Zebrano wood. (Picture from: Conceptcarz)

Inside, the interior is trumped by an extensive use of Zebrano wood which is hand crafted from a single Trunk of the African tree. And despite is tight proportions the Impression has space for four and the performance of to match almost any other supercar.

Rear side view of Russo-Baltique Impression. (Picture from: Avtopremial.ru)

The Impression is powered by a Mercedes-Benz V12 engine which offers 555 bhp of power. Its chassis is made from carbon fibre to ensure both ample weight and rigidity. The Impression first presented at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2006, but with its appearance in Geneva, it's a suggestion that Russo-Baltique (and its partner, Gerg GmbH, in Germany) is finally ready to start selling some of this car.

The Russo-Baltique Impression shows a unique design, with a lot of classic design elements and is built to celebrate the company's 100th annyversary. (Picture from: Madle.org)

So what is to be paid to feel the sensation of being behind the wheel of this luxury coupé? Simply by paying US. $1.8 million. Russo-Baltique deliberately set prices are quite expensive for one unit of the Russo-Baltique Impression. 

Because, in addition to guarantee the quality, the Russian manufacturer also just make as many as three units per year. Thus, buyers can be proud because driving the super exclusive and rare car. *** [EKA [31122014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | CARADASIAC | CONCEPTCARZ ] 

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Here are the other two rarest Swedish-made classic scooters

Two Swedish-made rarities It is undeniable that the popularity of scooters in its heyday back in the 1950s up to 1960s were spread evenly throughout the world. So it is not surprising that the success story of the Italian scooter manufacturer duo, Innocenti and Piaggio has greatly inspired the motorcycle business people in the world including in Sweden to participate in developing scooters in that country.

The Apollo Biet (red-colored) has a height differs (seem to be low) than the Svalan moped (blue-colored) and the front shield shapes as well. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)

On previous occasions, we have also discussed one of the classic scooters from a Swedish manufacturer such as the Monark Monarscoot which was started in 1957 as a moped that uses 14" spokes wheels, pedals like a bicycle and is powered by a German-made ILO engine. 

But this is not the only Swedish manufacturer that has ever produced scooters, allegedly there are many others. Well, on this occasion we again found the other two unique Swedish-made scooters with the brands of Apollo and Svalan.

Biet signifies "bee" or perhaps "ape" and should be averted the "wasp" due to inferiority as the failed products. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)

The story of the two scooters from Sweden is related to each other and begins when the machinery manufacturer John Benson (JB) produced a 128 cc 2-stroke engine specifically for small motorbikes back in 1949, but at that time motorcycle manufacturers in that country were preffered the DKW and Husqvarna engines. As a result, many machines produced by JB were not sold and piled up in the warehouse. 

The first ever Svalan signifies "Swallow" scooter at a scooter-premiere back in May 2009. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)

As an effort to market all of these machines, John Benson (JB) the machine maker then persuaded the Svalan and Apollo factories to make scooters/mopeds using his machines. In short, then the two manufacturers agreed to produce the two-wheeled vehicle in 1953 with a pretty good design done by a Swedish industrial designer.

As quoted of Historien om Apollo, this scooter or more precisely the Apollo moped was made by a Värnamo-based manufacturer named M. Berlin & Co AB. The company founded by Sven Mauritz Berlin back in the 1934. Uniquely, this Swedish manufacturer's production are varies ranging from bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds, lawn mowers up to boat outboard engines, all of which carry the Apollo brand.

The Apollo Biet (red-colored) has a height differs (seem to be low) than the Svalan moped (blue-colored) and the front shield as well. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)

As for the Apollo Biet or Apollo 77 Biet moped were made in 1954, it having a scooter style in general with a front-shield, and unique double headlights, but used 14" sized spokes wheels. As quoted of the same source above, reportedly the Apollo Biet moped were produced as much as 42 units only, and is powered by the John Benson (JB) 2-stroke 128 cc engine.

Meanwhile another scooter or moped, namely the Svalan moped (which means Swallow) was also produced in 1954 by the Falun-based manufacturer named John Ericsson Maskinaktiebolag AB. in collaboration with the Apollo Biet moped maker.

1954 Apollo Biet scooter/moped has a trade mark of double headlights, but one should be yellow. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)

Therefore, it is not surprising that the Svalan moped also uses the same engine, namely the JB 2-stroke 128 cc engine which is capable of producing around 4.5 hp of power and is combined with a 2-speed manual transmission system. At that time it was reported that between 100 and 150 units of this Svalan moped were produced.

Since both of these Swedish scooters or mopeds use the same engine, so the problems that arise are the same. From the start, this JB-made engine was intended for an open motorcycle, not an enclosed scooter. So the engine cooling problem became a big crutial problem for the two Swedish mopeds. 

The round holes for ventilation on the 1954 Svalan scooter body are actually done at the factory for its extra engine cooling. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)

They tried to outsmart such problem by making the cooling holes onto the body, that's seem not perfectly working. As a result, the engine seized after run some kilometers due to overheat. This is further exacerbated by the dimensions of the fork tube for the rear wheels which are too small, so that road dirt easily enters the carburetor along with the rotation of the rear wheels.

So it's only natural, if these scooters/mopeds were not in demand at that time and could be said as the failed products. But now, these scooters/mopeds are scarce, and it's known that the number of survivors of the Apollo Biet was only 6-8 units while the Svalan mopeds maybe 20-25 units.

 

And if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to this marque, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.

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 | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VESPAWORLDS | SCUDERIAVESPAVEDESE | CLASSICMOTOR.SE | HISTORIEN OM APOLLO ]

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Ferrari 375 MM Coupe Speciale "Dono d'amore"

Gift of Love Among the many beautiful classic cars carrying the Prancing Horse badge that ever have been produced, there're several models quite beautiful and sexy. But make no mistake behind their beauty and sexiness are hidden extraordinary potential power, due to in fact they have a strong racing DNA.

The Ferrari 375 MM Coupé Speciale aka 'Bergman Coupe' or 'Dono d'amore' (Italian: Gift of love) by Pinin Farina commissioned by Roberto Rossellini in 1954 for his beloved wife Ingrid Bergman. (Picture from: ItaliAuto)

As You could be seen at the Ferrari classic sportscar named the Ferrari 375 MM that started its life as a sports racing car produced by Ferrari in 1953 to 1955 for the road cars. It was named "375" for the per-cylinder displacement in the 4.5 L V12 engine of the Ferrari 375 F1, but with shorter stroke and bigger bore, and the "MM" stood for the Mille Miglia race.

The Ferrari 375 MM Coupé Speciale aka 'Bergman Coupe' or 'Dono d'amore' (Italian: Gift of love) by Pinin Farina commissioned by Roberto Rossellini in 1954 for his beloved wife Ingrid Bergman. (Picture from: CoachBuild)

The first prototype was the Vignale Spyder and three next cars were the Pinin Farina Berlinettas. Majority of the cars bodied by Pinin Farina in a spyder style and all converted used the Ferrari 340 MM' chassis.

The Ferrari 375 MM Coupé Speciale aka 'Bergman Coupe' or 'Dono d'amore' (Italian: Gift of love) by Pinin Farina has striking features such the rotating headlights. (Picture from: CoachBuild)

And the most known Ferrari 375 MM is the one-off model version specially made for Ingrid Bergman. This unique and beautiful car creation is first shown at the 1954 Paris Auto Salon, and is fitted with one-off body designed and constructed by Pinin Farina with its most striking features are the rotating headlights and the fins on the rear fenders.

The Ferrari 375 MM Coupé Speciale aka 'Bergman Coupe' or 'Dono d'amore' (Italian: Gift of love) by Pinin Farina is powered by 4.5 L V12 engine of the Ferrari 375 F1. (Picture from: CoachBuild)

As we all knew, the beautiful car is built under commissioned by an Italian director Roberto Rossellini in 1954 for his wife, a Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman, and commonly referred to as the 'Bergman Coupe' or 'Dono d'amore' (Italian: Gift of love).

The Ferrari 375 MM Coupé Speciale aka 'Bergman Coupe' or 'Dono d'amore' (Italian: Gift of love) by Pinin Farina has another striking features such the fins on the rear fenders. (Picture from: CoachBuild)

The Ferrari Bergman Coupe bodywork was custom built by Pinin Farina on chassis with a number of 0456AM and painted in a color called Grigio Ingrid, a special color named after her. Unfortunately Rossellini only briefly owned the car before it was sold to the United States.😎

1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scaglietti Coupe become the first postwar Ferrari to win Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. (Picture from: Supercars)

As quoted of Wikipedia, Rossellini also owned another 375 MM spyder, s/n 0402AM, which sustained a crash and was rebodied into a coupe by Scaglietti. 

Majority of the Ferrari 375 MM were bodied by Pinin Farina in a spyder style (such in pictured, the Ferrari 375 MM Spyder) and all converted used the Ferrari 340 MM' chassis. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The Scaglietti coupe was subsequently bought by the Microsoft executive Jon Shirley and restored by Ferrari specialist Butch Dennison. It would later become the first postwar Ferrari to win Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

1955 Ferrari 375 MM designed by Giovanni Michelotti and bodied by Carrozzeria Ghia. (Picture from: Road&Track)

These cars are part of a select few that recieved custom coachwork on the 375 MM competition chassis. The Bergman Ferrari is unique among the Ferrari production line with several distint features including large rear butresses that make up the rear hatchback.

The list of notable examples also includes a coupé created by Carrozzeria Ghia to a Giovanni Michelotti design. It was the last Ferrari ever to be bodied by this Turinese coachbuilder. The car was presented at the Torino Motor Show and the New York Auto Show, both in 1955. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | COACHBUILD | EN.WHEELSAGE.ORG | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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