Mustang, but not that Mustang, made some really interesting small motorcycles right after World War II until the mid-1960s. The seller has this Trail Machine listed as a 1960 model but they didn’t make them until 1961 so we’ll go with that for now, unless another photo surfaces showing a VIN or data plate or something to nail down the exact year. This 1961 Mustang Trail Machine is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in one of my favorite cities on the planet: Rapid City, South Dakota, and they’re asking $2,600. Here is the original listing. I’ve wanted one for years so I’m debating thanking T.J. for sending in this tip as I do not need any more two-wheelers… just kidding – thanks, T.J.!
John Gladden, owner of Gladden Products Corporation in Glendale, California, was intrigued by a motorcycle that one of his employees built in the mid-1930s, modified with a four-cylinder engine in 1941, and rode to work during WWII. Mr. Gladden asked Howard Forrest and another employee to build him a motorcycle to commute to the office. In 1946, the company offered the first Mustang Motorcycle, a Colt, which first used a Villiers engine. As the supply of Villers engines dried up, Mr. Gladden bought the Busy-Bee Company, which made small engines. The Mustang Model II was born in 1947. A three-wheeler came out in 1948 and a few other models, until the Trail Machine was introduced for the 1961 model year. It was somewhat similar (actually, very similar) to a Tote-Gote and other early rear-wheel drive minibikes. Sadly, Mustang stopped making motorcycles after 1964.
The seller only included two photos so that’s a bit disappointing, but this Trail Machine looks like it’s been restored to a high standard. It would have been $365 new and at 170 pounds, it’s just 10 pounds shy of my 2×2 Rokon so it’s still fairly light. This is the rigid frame model as opposed to the rear suspension model, which came out in 1964. It would have originally had a 5-3/4 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine but the seller says it has a 10 horsepower engine (?) so it would be crazy fast and/or powerful, depending on which gear the three-speed British-made Burman manual transmission is in. Power goes to the rear wheel only and it appears to have a kick-starter as it would have new. They say it’s in excellent condition and it sure looks it. Have any of you heard of this model?
This is a really neat find. Once again I’ve learned something new on Barnfinds, and today its thanks to Scotty. Ive never heard of these until today, probably because they were only made till ’64. My first thought when I saw this ( other than the Ford comment) was the Rokon. I really like this, even the basket on the back. It looks like a very high quality restoration. My only complaint is that there just isn’t enough pictures ( I can’t be the only one whos thinking this….) This is a great write up with a lot of research, thank you for writing this up Scotty and the time and research you put into it.
Damn, that’s cool. I’ve never heard of these either. That’s why I visit here multiple times a day – I always learn something new. I would have loved to have one of these when I was growing up. It would’ve been perfect to hit the trails in the hills in my parent’s neighborhood prior to all the country club houses going up. My friends and I used to go into the hills all the time. Built some sweet forts up there and had a lot of fun on our BMX bikes. It is a shame the kids growing up now don’t have all the outdoor areas we had as youth. In the summertime we would be out from morning until the street lights came on.
Nice tough little trail bike, rather have this than that electric SUV Mustang out there! Embarrassing
I have come to the realization that I was born too late. I was 2years old when they quit making these. In my working class neighborhood never saw any of these used either while old enough to notice. So cool though
New one on me too.
Dang.. this thing is cool! It reminds me of my old Cushman, but made to go off road. I would’ve much rather had this (because I did ride my Cushman on dirt roads and on a foot path that crossed a field near our house.. but along with everyone else who’s commented I’ve never seen one either. Super neat find TJ, and a great write up Scotty.. appreciate the background and history behind it.