When working on projects it can be a nuisance to move crates and parts across your yard. Sometimes we all think it would be useful to have another pair of hands or additional machines to help us fix our project cars. Whilst some would go for a classic fork-lift truck, others might find this Barn Find more up their street. This is a 1994 Cushman 461A Truckster, a 3-wheeled all-purpose mini transportation vehicle that was previously owned by the Boeing factory in Wichita, Kansas. However, the owner has another Cushman project on the go, meaning this 3 wheeled beast of burden could be yours. It’s available in Eupora, Mississippi here on Craigslist for $3,800. Thanks to Lee Bailey for this tip!
Cushman is a company with a lot of interesting history. They started in 1903 by manufacturing equipment to custom specifications as requested by local businesses and farmers before eventually creating their own engine, the four-stroke Husky in 1922. What followed was years of success with the US Army with scooters and other light delivery vehicles which provided a clear pathway to the Truckster, with variations still produced to this day. Our Truckster has had a busy life in the Boeing plant but has only racked up 4509 miles and 5412 hours across its gauges. However, we can imagine that some of those conditions were challenging for the little Truckster, as there is a lot of wear and tear over the vehicle and its purpose in the Boeing factory was as a loaner when other vehicles were being serviced.
One item which would need immediate attention is the rusty battery compartment and the parking brake needs to be reconnected. Cosmetics aside, this still needs a little work to get it road legal should you want to. The seller claims that the 22hp Onan engine runs well, paired to its original 3-speed transmission but is speed limited to 20mph, so the next buyer will want to sort that out if they wanted to legally ride on the road. Parts for these Cushmans are easy to come by, with a strong community and a plethora of spares available online, these have a long life if cared for properly.
The utilitarianism of this vehicle doesn’t stop there – it has a good-sized bed and even a tow hook which was installed by Boeing, giving this even more versatility. So how would you use this Truckster, would you leave it as a service vehicle for your home or garage, or would you restore it, make it road legal and (bravely!) take it on the road?
Well I can’t say I have fond memories of this vehicle. If anything it’s a mild form of PTSD from living in a city. Whenever is saw one I had to think of where I parked and sometimes go running to move my car before the ticket lady got it it! One of the few vehicles I would take joy in seeing it get demolished. Something spectacular would be really cool!
LS swap it.
Sorry, but someone was going to say it.
Was this the forerunner to the National Lampoon Family Truckster?
This falls into the category of so ugly it’s cute. But seriously the value versus cost to fix is ridiculous. But it could be a good training for unusual guests. You know relatives and such that are not really welcome but unavoidable. Almost a legal torture chamber riding in one if these things. I remember back in the days of meter maids these things roamed the streets of my home town. Those women were always in a bad mood, no wonder right, riding around in those things all day. Oh well, something for everyone.
God Bless America
So, if the seller states that Cushman specified that this model is for “off-road” use only, doesn’t that mean the VIN would not allow one to drive it on the road legally, no matter what was done to it, Elliot? Or am I missing something?
In Washington State because of the 3 wheels you have to get a motorcycle endorsement on your license in order to drive it
I was hired as a police officer in a medium sized city and the chief told me that they no longer had foot patrols. “Everybody rides!”, he said. The second day on the job, I was given the keys to a Cushman and was told to patrol the downtown area. :(
Here in Naples it would be right at home W/all the Golf cars running around on 30 MPH streets but need s to have a plate hanging, be street legal.. In the old dayz Police used them for parking enforcement
I like the 4 wheel w/van-like shell.
One of the canadian cities used them till late ’90s.
“Truckster” model?
A small town, where I worked in the ’70’s, had one that was used to go into estates to collect garbage. I had to use it for some of my duties. I thought it was a blast to drive! Outside of the smelly garbage bed, it really was fun. Going wide open, you didn’t smell the back of it! I wouldn’t mind having one of my own.