This is a 1926 model Lusse Auto Skooter. This very rare bumper car was the second model produced by Lusse Brothers, bearing the serial number 4126. The rear wheel drive / rear assisted steering design is unique for the series. By 1932, the design was improved to front wheel drive and steer. This car is in great condition for being almost 90 years of age. It has all of its original parts, including the original electric motor which runs well.
I purchased this bumper car in Southern California, in 1983. Subsequently, in 1984, I attended the dissolution auction of the Rocky Springs Park in Lancaster, PA, where I happened to see historic photos of car #8 in use at the park. The owner of Rocky Springs Park was sharing old photos from the park’s heyday with a limited audience following the auction.
He informed me that his father had sold some of their old bumper cars to a buyer in Southern California in the early 1960’s. He showed me photos of the bumper car ride when it was still in operation, with car #8 right out front. Upon hearing that I had acquired #8, he gave me a roll of original ride tickets and a Coke sign from the Park, which is enameled steel and made in 1958 during the time period when this car was still operating at Rocky Springs Park.
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