Thursday, April 7, 2011
The LAST Post on Golf Carts!
OK, I swear this is the last post on golf carts - I don't want one of these things - I don't even like golf! That said, I feel compelled to finish what I accidentally started...
So here's what got everyone all excited about Crosley golf carts: President Eisenhower's Crosley golf cart. It started out as a '51 or '52, but there's not much Crosley left from the dash back. I can't even tell if it started out as a wagon or sedan or even a pickup. It has a lot in common with the Fiat Jollys that were once common in the Philippines, but not so much in common with this:
This started out as a mid-40s Crosley but ran afoul of a customiser at some point. It's got a similar seat arrangement as Ike's cart, but that's about the extent of the similarity. That didn't stop the owners from labeling it as Ike's ride.
There are rumors about what happened to Ike's Crosley, but I haven't heard a definitive answer yet - still, I'm willing to bet this ain't it. The back end is funkier than the front. (photos by Pokeanose)
Contrary to the theme established with all the ragged carts I've posted about this week, there are Crosley golf carts that were well cared for. This 1949 model owned by Mike Adams showed up on the Crosley Automobile Club's page as the 'Crosley of the Month' a few years back.
Adams got the cart from super Crosley enthusiast Jean Allan who got it from a fellow in Indiana. Looks like Mike takes good care of the cart, and he mentions that he'd like to hear from anyone who knows any history of the car. Check out those tires - this one is ready for some off-roading!
So, that's the end of my parade of golf carts.... not a path I ever intended to go down. But, though not my thing, I do have to appreciate that they illustrate the endless elasticity of the Crosley design. How many other small automakers can claim to be the source of so many variations: sedans, station wagons, jeeps, farm vehicles, golf carts, fire trucks, sports cars, and yes, even the dreaded clown car. No Crosley hearses to report - yet!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Ike's golf cart is in a garage at his Gettysburg farm. You can see it through a small window. I complained that it was not on display and that I had made a special trip just to see it and they tried to find the key to the garage so I could see it and take pictures. The person that had the keys was not on the grounds that day. They claimed it use to be more openly displayed but were having problem with vandalism and theft.
Jim...
Interesting! Could you tell what kind of shape it was in?
Best I could see it looked in good condition.
A few years back the Keystone Region of the Crosley Auto CLub was going to offer to clean up/fix up the cart as a project. Don't remember if that ever happened.
Jim...
I still think the jolly where more common in Italy than in the philippines, buddy.
by the way, what model is the clown car made on? it looks surprisingly nice.
Looks like a cut down sedan. Somewhere I've got a picture of a sedan that was turned into a 'coupe' after the roof was crushed in an accident- it actually looks pretty good...
Great post! Golf carts are essential for a smooth day on the course, and having good quality golf cart covers makes all the difference. They keep your cart protected from the elements and extend its life. Definitely a must-have for any golf enthusiast!
Post a Comment