I've been out driving the old stuff. I started with the '57 Volkswagen. Even a fully restored, almost like new, Volkswagen seems primitive when compared to modern cars. I drove cars like that from 1960 to 1970, and I got used to the engine being in the back. I learned to ignore the roar of the cooling fan, and I never thought of them as 1930's technology. They were tough, reliable little cars that got good gas mileage and didn't put me too deeply in debt. That was enough.

I parked the Bug, as it was very low on gas. But I still had the urge, so I rolled out the 1963 Cushman Eagle. This old motor scooter is almost completely original. It is too close to original to restore. There are not too many complete and running scooters like this one, so to restore it would destroy some of the appeal.

As Cushmans go, this is a fairly modern scooter. It has a 12 volt electrical system and an electric starter. The engine is aluminum with overhead valves. After sitting for a month, it started right up. That primitive feel was there again, but maybe that's why I like old vehicles.

I ride Cushmans all the time, but it had been a while since I drove a VW Bug very much. So it was no surprise that I felt more at home on the scooter. I think next time I'll compare the Bug to my '72 Vespa. There are some similarities. Both have four speeds and the air-cooled engine is in the back.

Or I might just ride the bicycle.
Howard