The Models 70 thru 74 were all considerably longer and heavier than the pre-war models, with much more powerful engines. A key feature on the Model 70 series - a hood that opens from the rear making the engine (and a small package compartment on some of the models) easily accessible.

Model 71 was the first model to appear in late 1939 or early 1940 (see brochure and price list below). Since the Models 51 and 61 had front springs, perhaps Salsbury called the new large scooter the Model 71 because it too had front springs. (Interestingly, Salsbury would introduce the Model 70 after the Model 71, but with the Model 70 having front springs as well).

The Model 71 had a hand grip twist throttle and a foot operated rear brake. Front and rear wheel suspension, a generator, 2.25 gallon gas tank, starting clutch, self-shifting transmission, a 2.3hp Lauson engine and 3.5" x 12" Jumbo Junior Wheels. Head and tail lights were standard features, while a speedo, windshield, and a hand lever operated front brake were some of the available accessories.

Salsbury introduced the Model 70 and 72 Motor Glides in the fall of 1940. Salsbury moved the throttle from the twist grip in the Model 71 to a foot operated gas pedal in the Model 70 and 72. Otherwise the Models 70 and 72 had the same features and engine as the Model 71. The only real difference between the Model 70 and 72 - the Model 72 had the self shifting transmission as a standard item, whereas the Model 70 had that transmission as an available option.

Salsbury made tweaks to the Model 70 and 72 along the way - Salsbury claimed at one point that the Model 72 could generate 2.7hp, but the models used the same engine. The carbs might have been different however. Salsbury also switch items from standard to optional equipment occasionally - compare the 1941 to 1942 brochures below for example.

Salsbury also changed the name of the scooter line from Motor Glide to Super-Cycle in 1942 or 1943 (requiring a change in the decals on the scooters from "Motor Glide" to "Salsbury"). Perhaps Salsbury thought the name Motor Glide to recreational for a country at war, and went with a more workmanlike name of Super-Cycle.

Salsbury offered several seating options - the seating arrangement to the right was called the DeLuxe seat - with a chrome plated structure holding the seat above the hood. Salsbury offered a seat attached to the top of the hood as standard equipment.

Salsbury struggled to find war-related uses for their scooters. A third party developed a way to turn the Motor Glides into ambulances, and Salsbury received a lot of press, and sold a fair number of scooter-ambulances.

The Navy and Air Force and various Defense related companies purchased a meaningful number of scooters to help service men and production people move from one place to another much faster than walking or bicycling.

Salsbury apparently produced a Model 74 in very limited quantity., likely in late 1943 or early 1944. The main feature - a kickstarter and something that looks like a parking lever. Click here for a pic of the Model 74.

Check out pictures of Russ' repainted but otherwise unrestored 1941 Model 72.

That's Famous Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth to the bottom right.