Picture this: you’re cruising through the hipster haven of Brooklyn, soaking in the trendy atmosphere that defines the area. Perhaps you’re on your vintage Vespa scooter, thinking you’re the epitome of hipster cool. But then, out of nowhere, appears a 1945 Salsbury Model 85 factory prototype, ridden by the true king of hipsters.
This genuine prototype scooter from a lesser-known American company is a sight to behold, boasting a design that predates the more famous Italian and Japanese scooters by over a decade.
Founded by the eccentric engineer E. Foster Salsbury in 1935, the company gained notoriety, with notable figures like Amelia Earhart seen riding Salsbury scooters.
The prototype’s design, featuring red and green contrasting handlebars reminiscent of aircraft beacon lights, pays homage to the aviators and aviation enthusiasts who favored these scooters.
Equipped with a then-futuristic variable speed transmission and a four-stroke engine, the Model 85 played a pivotal role in the brand’s success before its eventual closure in the 1950s.
Given its historical significance and ties to Amelia Earhart, it’s challenging to put a definitive price on such a piece of American history.
Nevertheless, the seller has listed it for a cool $26,000, appealing to enthusiasts willing to invest in a piece of vintage Americana. So, are you hipster enough to splurge nearly $30,000 on a scooter? Well, someone out there certainly is.