That’s right folks. I never saw this one coming! Cushman’s are being made again in the US, by K-Jack Motors in California. And they look pretty good too. Those that know their Lambretta history will know the original Lambretta’s owed more than a little to the Cushman, who were around since the early 1900’s… and their “Airborne” model scooter, dropped with US paratroops in Italy during WW2. When Innocenti (and Piaggo) had to re-engineer their factrories from making military vehicles and armaments, many regard the lightweight Cusman scooters as a spark of inspiration for both these companies. 

The rest is history. The two italian firms went on to dominate scooter production in the 50’s and 60’s, firstly in Italy, then Europe, and finally worldwide. Without the styling elan of the Italian models, the Cushma became regarded as a bit of an oddbal… at least in Europe. Even in the US, Italian scooters were seen as sophisticated and cosmipolitan.

But the world has changed… and in an era iof generic, plastic scooters these re-engineered Cushmans have more than a little elan of their own. They are certainly stylish, looking remarkably close to their predessors. There are two modesls, (both under the Cushma II banner) the Highlander and the Strp Thru. Equipped with modern engines – up to 400cc, disk brakes front and rear, and an all steel frame, they are nippy, and sturdy too. The styling that I used to regard as laughably clunky and boxy now looks (to my eye, anyway) funkily ulititarian, and retro chic. The day of the Cushman may finally have arrived!

via Visordown

Find out more at the K-Jack Website, or Facebook page. 

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