1947 Hiawatha Doodle Bug

Highlights

• SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
• A rare, "bone stock" example featuring original paint, factory-installed headlight, and factory reflector
• Built in Webster City, Iowa, by the Beam Manufacturing Company (1946–1948)
• Sold through the historic Gambles store chain under the legendary "Hiawatha" name to compete with the Sears "Allstate" Cushman
• One of only 40,000 units ever produced across four production runs
• This "Standard Model A" features the sought-after Briggs & Stratton NP engine (1.5 hp)
• Known as the "Mighty American Doodle Bug," these scooters offered a generation their first taste of motorized freedom in the post-WWII era
• An exceptionally preserved piece of American transportation history that remains in its authentic, factory-delivered configuration
• Unlike modern pull-starts, all original Doodle Bugs featured a kick-start engine. Mentioning this confirms it hasn't been swapped for a later utility engine
• 1947 was a transition year for the drivetrain. Early models used a "Fluid Drive" clutch, while later ones moved to a centrifugal clutch. If yours has the original Fluid Drive, it is a significant mechanical talking point for purists
• The original factory color was a specific shade often called "Cessna Red" (referencing the aircraft). Since your paint is original, highlighting that it is the factory-correct 1940s red is a huge value-add
• Model A scooters from the first production runs typically featured white handlebar grips. If yours has these (or traces of them), it’s a specific marker of an early 1947 unit