Who’s a Mister Softee, Then?

At first glance I’d have to say very well sold indeed, but what price can you put on fun? Maybe it’s a bargain

by Paul Duchene

This month’s “American Profile” is going to take a tiptoe amongst the automotive daisies, the puff and fluff of the market.

Along with the heavy hitters at RM’s February 15–17 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, auction—like the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL for $495,000, the 1938 Brunn-bodied Packard for $187,000, and even the 1966 Batmobile for $134,000—there was a positive flurry of microcars.

And for a change, it was American microcars that held center stage, rather than the usual Fiat Jolly, Messerschmitt KR200, and Isetta 300, which were there as well.

1951 Cushman Ice Cream Cart

The daffiest microcar to be seen was a (literally) tastefully constructed 1951 Cushman Ice Cream Cart, daringly offered without reserve after a full mechanical restoration and complete with a candy stripe umbrella.

Powered by a 9-horsepower, single-cylinder, Cushman Eagle scooter engine, the tricycle cart sported six stools for diners around a centrally...