The Final Pre-Production Prototype for Salsbury Model 85 - Circa November 1945

Avion Aggressively Develops the Salsbury Scooter and 6 HP Engine

Richard Millar made a big bet on Salsbury's scooters pre-war fame and technology. And, Millar likely appreciated the on-going difficulty Foster had acquiring affordable engines from the very start of the scooter business in 1935, which might explain why Avion poured so much effort into developing its own 6HP engine. Whatever the reason, Avion was gearing up to jump into the scooter market in a big way when WWII finally ended, developing both a completely new scooter design and a new engine to power the scooter. In a fascinating plot twist, however, Avion sold its business to Northrop in December 1945.

The Avion Scooter Early Prototype

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    Side view of the early prototype, which looks fairly close to the ultimate shape of the Salsbury Model 85.

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    Rear looking view - note the completely different dash than what ultimately was used in the Model 85.

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    Under the hood - note the frame over the rear wheel and the muffler, which did not make it into the Model 85.

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    Another under the hood shot - the prototype was based on using gas and brake pedals. Note the pad underneath the kickstarter - unsightly, but maybe a good idea.

6HP Engine Designs

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Avion Model 85 Designs

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    Starting to look like the Model 85 in the front and under the hood.

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    Looks a lot like the Model 85 - missing kick starter, gas cap and the headlight.

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    Getting very close to the Model 85 - note the chrome trim around the gas tank - trunk lid.

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    Basic Design of the Model 85 DeLuxe version

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    Getting very close to the ultimate Model 85 DeLuxe version

Pics of the Pre-Production Model 85

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©Russ Uzes and Scott Doering/Contact Us
Russ and Scott are always looking for Salsbury Scooters - Motor Glides and Model 85s
We are also looking for Salsbury Scooter historical items - brochures, pictures, service manuals and other memorabilia