Topic: Request a list of the “beautiful” WWII era motors

This topic has 20 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 6 months ago by mercuryman.

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October 16, 2020 at 2:59 pm #218682
Honorcode
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Hi. Please let me know your top picks of a motor (model and year) that is both highly functional, and artisitc in its design. Please submit ideas that are within the era of WWII +/- a few years (1935 to 1950), This is not a request for the most rare or expensive motors, it is a request for notors that are “functional art”. Thank you.
- This topic was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by Honorcode.
- This topic was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by Honorcode.
- This topic was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by Honorcode.
October 16, 2020 at 3:25 pm #218686
Mumbles
Participant
A ’38 or ’39 Johnson MS-38 or 39 would rank high in my book! A ’35 Evinrude Sportsman would be my next choice.
October 17, 2020 at 8:40 am #218732
Honorcode
Participant
Thank you for the reply. A MS-38? I never heard of them until now. I did some research and most of the pictures do not have a spark plug cover, nor do they have a tube that connects the 2 tanks in the back. When it has those features, are they upgraded models? Is that a tube or a carry handle that connects the rear part of the tanks?
October 17, 2020 at 9:46 am #218733
The Boat House
Participant
October 17, 2020 at 10:49 am #218740
Honorcode
Participant
Hi Tubs, you raise an excellent point… I request your help in this area. It seems that the appearance of the motor is often the only thing that matters. These antique Motors are displayed for decoration. As soon as a restored motor is run, the polish is replaced with exhaust soot, water fills the cooling system and drips, oil leaks from the gaskets, and it has the smell of gasoline. No one wants this inside their house.

Is it fair to say that many of the Antique motors do not need to be in running condition in order to be desired?
October 17, 2020 at 11:04 am #218742
Buccaneer
Participant
US Member
The Evinrude Imperial versions have a certain flare to them.
Not mine……..

Prepare to be boarded!
October 17, 2020 at 11:16 am #218746
The Boat House
Participant
Honorcode wrote:

Hi Tubs, you raise an excellent point… I request your help in this area. It seems that the appearance of the motor is often the only thing that matters. These antique Motors are displayed for decoration. As soon as a restored motor is run, the polish is replaced with exhaust soot, water fills the cooling system and drips, oil leaks from the gaskets, and it has the smell of gasoline. No one wants this inside their house.

Is it fair to say that many of the Antique motors do not need to be in running condition in order to be desired?
- This reply was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by The Boat House.
- This reply was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by The Boat House.
October 18, 2020 at 9:48 am #218820
squierka39
Participant
US Member
Honorcode, you asked about running or decorating. Most of us in the AOMCI run our motors, the highly polished decorator only motors are a much smaller segment of collecting. Many collectors who run a restored or polished up motor will clean it off after it’s been run.
October 18, 2020 at 10:52 am #218822
Honorcode
Participant
Thank you for the reply, Squierka39 and the rest of AOMC for replying. I asked this question because I am receiving replies to this stream with photos of these amazing motors in “better than new” condition. It seems that these are meant to be display peices given the effort and expense that it takes to restore them.

My brother is dating a lady who owns a marina in Michigan (off Lake Michigan), and they got me interested in Antique motors. They are suggesting that I buy the following (she already owns most of these and they are in better-than-new condition. They are on display at her Marina and private home:

* 1938 Clarke Troller (display only, not safe to use)
* Elto Twin Cylinder Pre-WWII (suggest that I get one that is for display, possible investment motor)
*1939 Johnson LT39 (historically significant, 1st aluminum block, other new technologies, parts are plentiful, rock-solid runner )
* Caille (display only, no spare parts)
* Elto 1 cyclinder pal or cub (these make excellent displays, but parts are plentiful, so also good runners.)
* Neptune (running motor, parts are plentiful)
*1930 – 1940ish Water witch any model (display only, no parts, possible investment motor)
*1939 MS-39 (display, no spare parts).
* Mercury Rocket 4 HP (display or running – parts are getting hard to find)
* 1920ish Johnson 2 cylinder (display, parts are scarce, possible investment motor)
* Anything called a rowboat motor (display only, parts are scarce. investment potential)

Please understand that I can not afford to buy all of this, maybe 2 motors for display, and 1 motor for running. I already decided to buy the LT39 as it will be perfect for my canoe. If it were your money, what would you buy? What is the maximum price that you would pay for a fully restored motor vs a running motor that is cosmetically banged up?

Thanks
October 19, 2020 at 5:22 pm #218889
squierka39
Participant
US Member
You should really buy the ones that interest you the most. I wouldn’t buy any with the idea of investment potential, they just aren’t going to go up that much. All the motors in the above list are good motors, depending on mechanical condition most of them could probably be made to run if desired. Don’t be to fooled by the shiny restos as better than new, they looked Pretty good when new too.
As far as display and conversation piece, if affordable the Clarke troller would be good. Many members do run these, they shouldn’t be labeled unsafe.
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