To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION
Estimate:
$10,000 - $15,000
- Delightful mid-century streamline design
- Powered by an 8-horsepower Kohler gasoline engine
- A marvelous example for the discerning collector
- Please note this lot will need to be collected from St. Louis,
MO
The powered golf cart first came into use in the 1930s, but its
popularity exploded in the 1950s, particularly in America, with
companies like Marketeer, E-Z-Go, and Cushman all offering
battery-powered carts with varying success. As their popularity
grew, designs evolved rapidly, with ever-increasing emphasis on
style and amenities.
Kansas farmer and inventor Max Walker developed the first
production gasoline-powered golf carts in 1957 after growing
frustrated by electric carts with batteries that often failed to
last an entire round of play. Walker designed a relatively simple
tubular chassis with three-wheels and a rear-mounted
eight-horsepower four-cycle Kohler engine. He included tiller
steering and conjoined controls so it could be driven from either
seat, and a tilt-up body for easy access to the mechanical bits.
But what set the Walker Executive apart was its marvelous space-age
styling, with a sweeping, Vespa-like front end, skirted rear
fenders, and a cantilever umbrella-style surrey top. As battery
technology improved, Max Walker quickly lost interest in the
project and sold the rights to Jato Manufacturing of Salina,
Kansas, which produced gasoline and electric versions of Max
Walker's fabulous design well into the 1960s.
This Walker Executive by Jato is a desirable early petrol-powered
model that was the subject of a comprehensive restoration.
Presented in a delightful orange and white livery, it is ideally
suited to regular enjoyment at a wide array of venues. The vibrant
paintwork is in fine order and the body features the original
surrey top, twin golf bag carriers, and a mix of restored and
preserved original chrome. The wheels feature correct streamline
disc-style covers with newer turf tires, replaced during the
restoration. Some minor pitting is noted on the chrome seat frames,
which does little to detract from the charming overall appeal.
Restored white vinyl seats and the matching white canvas top are in
good order, and lifting the body reveals a clean and tidy Kohler
engine with electric start. It runs well and is a delight to drive,
motoring along with ease from either seat.
The Jato Walker Executive is a charming bit of mid-century modern
design, and this finely restored example would be at home in
virtually any eclectic collection of classic vehicles or
memorabilia.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0120.
