This one is a bit of a head-scratcher as the model number is 780-26, which relates to a 1957 Cushman Mailster, but let’s refer to it as a 1957 Cushman Truckster for now. The seller has it listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Winchester, Virginia and they’re asking $1,500. Todd Fitch, pick this up for me, will you? (crickets) Here is the original listing, and thanks to Anthony M. for the great tip!
The “Truckster” portion appears to be home-built and made of wood, so I think this was likely a steel cab model known as a Mailster, which is what the 780-26 model number points to, according to page 4 of this model number list. A Truckster would have had an open cargo back like this one, but it probably wouldn’t have been made out of wood, it would be steel. Whoever made this one seemed to do a nice job but I would sure like to know the exact history of it given the Mailster model number but without the cab body.
If that’s the case that it’s a modified Mailster, and there’s no way to really know other than looking at the numbers, whoever did the conversion did a great job. A Mailster would have a bit of a limited market compared to an open-back Truckster that’s much easier to load and unload with bags of mulch or whatever. The seller doesn’t know really anything about this example, saying that they bought it along with several other vehicles at an estate sale.
With 13,473 miles, someone used the heck out of this three-wheeler whatever it is, and you can see that it would use some freshening up from the photos – which in keeping with longstanding facebook marketplace and craigslist tradition, ARE ALL VERTICALS! (not bitter) This could be a fun project, though, even though it isn’t currently in running condition.
The engine should be an OMC (Outboard Marine Corporation) “die-cast aluminum” Super Huskey, a four-stroke single-cylinder engine with 9 horsepower – since it’s showing just one spark plug. There was also an 18-hp twin-cylinder version. The seller says it turns over so that’s good news. Am I missing the mark on this one given the model numbers shown? If so, what do you think it is?
If it had a cab, and the old man could have made one, these are becoming more attractive to me. With $18 wiper blades and 4 new tires( never mind the cost), just to sit, a simple transportation device like this is all I really need. When I moved to Colorado, a guy had one for sale, but wanted too much, it hasn’t moved. While the bed is clearly home made, I think it was a Truckster with a steel bed, some that dumped. With new Gators STARTING at $17,500, makes this a freakin’ bargain.
It seems to me that a lot of these were used on golf courses and cemeteries. Perfect for carrying weed sprayers and lawn/yard maintenance tools. A lot of farmers with vegetable operations use Gators and related vehicles. A lot of us who are nearing the geritol age could fix one of these up and take them to the “scooters, carts, N coffee, with antacids and muciloids events every Sunday. NOT!!!
Wow where did they drive that many miles?
I believe that is kilometres on that gauge
The speedometer is the same as my Cushman Eagle. It registers in miles, not kilometers. Regardless of the 13K miles, that Cushman built, 9 hp Huskey engine (not OMC), will be very worn-out
Not too sure about quality of new paint job. Didn’t do any prep work around handlebars and speedo. Not sure how your going to access engine to figure out non running condition. $500 fair and spend the $1000 getting it to run.
Many police departments used Cushmans for parking patrol and/or downtown patrol. The older ones had enclosed cabs with vinyl doors and a three speed on the column. Newer ones had metal doors and a left-handed shift. Both of these models had steering wheels. They were easy to turn over too.
This would’ve been cool to have when I was a kid and had my paper route. After the route got too big to handle with my Schwinn by dad bought me a Cushman Eagle and built a square plywood box on the back that extended down on either side of the wheel and painted it white to match the Cushman. It worked great too, especially for those 3am Sunday deliveries with huge papers stuffed with ads and flyers, and I could take the box off and put the rear seat back on and take girls for a ride. That was 60 plus years ago but some of it is so clear it seems like it was yesterday.
Back when men were men and kids were expendable. My Dad bought a Cushman 3 wheeler for deliveries for our Auto Parts store. It had the wide handle bars and the left hand stick shifter. One Sunday us kids talked Dad into letting us go for a ride in the pickup bed. A big dog ran out at us and my Dad wrapped us around a big ole’ tree, throwing my sisters and me on grass. We put it back on its wheels and Dad pulled the front fender off the tire and we drove home. We had it for a couple of years but even with the soft top and windshield it was too cold for Colorado winters. Thanks for thr memories…
No wonder it doesn’t run… the spark wire isn’t connected to the plug!
Well, DUH?
Where’s the wood grain siding and the eight headlights. Never mind, I was thinking of the “WAGON QUEEN FAMILY TRUCKSTER”
Listing update, this one says “Pending”, but oddly enough, the price was raised to $1,900.