1950 Martin Stationette

James V. Martin was a prolific inventor who spent years designing cars that he hoped someone would be willing to produce. The Stationette was his last attempt. Produced by Commonwealth Research Corp. in New York, NY, this car is an all wooden monocoque construction. It features no axles, shock absorbers, or propeller shaft, which Mr. Martin claimed made it cheaper to build.

It was designed to fit the needs of the suburban commuter, as popular acceptance would greatly ease traffic congestion. The Stationette was shown at the 1954 World Motor Sports Show and offered as 'America' Economy Car of the Future.' Mr. Martin failed to convince anyone to produce this car.

information from lanemotormuseum.org ; via: http://www.conceptcarz.com/events/eventVehicle.aspx?carID=15184&eventID=200&catID=1551&whichPage=1

It's said the older we get the more childlike we become.... I'm ok with that, I still like to play with my toys... who doesn't?

Via: http://regisranger.blogspot.com/

unusual drag race cars

http://zelastchancegaragedu78.blogspot.com/

1803 Trevithick Steam Coach

For more about this 205 yr old vehicle: http://www.3wheelers.com/trevithick.html
http://www.pbase.com/smarjoram/root

1933 Custer chair update, Briggs and Stratton powered

http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/11/rare-historical-automotive-jem.html

Adaptation and innovation to avoid licensing fees, make a delivery vehicle with less than 200cc, and less than 4 wheels

Until the mid-1920s the transport of small quantities of goods with horse carts, bicycles, messengers or handcarts was the norm. (horse drawn cart far right of photo)

The new law in 1927/1928, under which vehicles with less than four wheels and an engine capacity below 200 cc would remain license-exempt began the development of three wheel cars. (Similar need for small transporters made the Piaggio Ape viable http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/12/1956-piaggio-ape-ahh-pay-resurected.html , and the Indian Bajaj / rickshaw http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/03/indian-rickshaws-celebrate-50-years-of.html )

Cheap, reliable, tremendous gas mileage, not requiring a motorcycle license and in some cases not requiring insurance either was exactly what post WW1 and WW2 Eurpoean cities needed for transporting fruits, vegetables, building materials, coal, etc etc from the train stations into the cities to the shops.

In 1928, Max Vidal and his son Oscar began production in Wandsbek, a suburb of Hamburg, Germany. http://www.reflektion.info/html/1000_091008_1_tempo.html

1956 Piaggio Ape (ahh pay), resurected from a Casper, Wyoming neglected barn find

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piaggio_Ape Basically Vespa scooters fitted with twin rear wheels (chain driven) and a load platform above them

http://www.museopiaggio.it/en/piaggiostory.html

With a factory 6 volt electrical system, Paul decided something brighter was needed, and went with a 12volt hi-lo beam for the top spot light

This series of 5 photos follows the fuel tank filler, from the cream color gas cap above to the tank and how it fits into the cockpit

The below shows the customized pedal on the left that isn't part of the factory design... and the good looking rubber strips on the floorboard

Below the seat is mocked up in place, great diamond design, ( coincidentally? ) diamond plate is looking ready for work as the new rear platform

Friction shock absorbers

These shots are to show the suspension without the engine in the way.

Bought for $50, and the removal of it from the farm.

The Piaggio Ape is the answer to postwar transportation http://www.vespaclubofireland.com/vespa%20history.htm in a country of small roads and people who needed something small that would get the goods moved, and pass each other on the road. In view of the small roadside fresh produce stands, and small goods in farmers markets, an Ape will do the job very well and not be a gas hog. 4 speeds forward, and reverse.

Paul's brother Dave was told about the Ape by a friend, because Dave is a scooter freak, but after getting the Ape home and assessing the condition, he passed it on to Paul. It's come a long way..., there was only one 1/2 of a good side to the glove box.

Vespa and Piaggio links:

http://www.vespaonline.com/zClassifieds-index-cat-1-page-41.htm

http://www.glasgowmods.co.uk/genre/introducing-northern-soul/vespa-symbols-of-soul/

http://www.vespaape.com/body_myape.htm

http://www.vespafriends.com/forum/showthread.php?p=12127

http://www.museopiaggio.it/en/piaggiostory.html

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2006/12/santas-high-speed-sled.html

These two in yellow are of the museum of Piaggio's and Vespas

http://retro70.blogspot.com/

http://scootergoogle.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html has a full list of Vespa Serial Numbers By Year: 1946-1971 including Vespa serial numbers, by year, at the end are serial prefixes for Vespa models marketed in North America by Sears & Roebuck (primarily as the Allstate.)

If you have one to add to a registry: http://www.apevintage.com/indexe.htm