5k: Kick Start: 1960ish M274-A2 Mule
The M274 Mule was a light duty off-road 4X4 mobile platform built for military use from 1956 through 1970. The prototype for the Mule was designated the Jungle Burden Carrier and it was used by the US Army as an all purpose vehicle to supplement the Jeep, but you could use it for just about anything. It could carry troops, supplies, guns, stretchers, and supplies in non-tactical supporting roles. In short, it is perfect if your transportation needs do not exceed 20 mph. Find this 1960ish M274-A2 Mule here on eBay
currently bidding for $5,000 with 2 days to go.
Whenever I see someone flat-towing a Suzuki Samurai, Saturn Somethingorother, or RAV4 behind their motor home, I shake my head and think yer doing it wrong. They should just stay at a hotel like a normal human being, instead of clogging the road up with some monstrosity that forces you to deal with your own feces, but more importantly, they should be flat towing a Mule.
The Mule is perfectly suited for around-town needs, shopping, emptying the loo, sightseeing, or finding a nearby porta-john. The 2 cylinder Continental-Hercules two-stroke air cooled engine puts out something in the 16 horsepower range and will be plenty for the kind of speeds you’ll be willing to drive with your feet hanging out in front of the vehicle. The real trick would be to figure out how to get some kind of license plate on this thing. Specialty construction vehicle from some state with loose emissions laws?
See a better way to cruise around the motor home park? tips@dailyturismo.com
Sweet find. Here in NE they are trying to pass a law that would allow golf carts to be street driven without plates as long as city ordinances allow it. This would be my DD half the year if that came to pass. It is my understanding that some states already have a similar rule on the books.
I think this platform should be presented to the Lexus design team as a good starting point for inspiration. Maybe with some cliche quotes like k.i.s.s (keep it simple stupid) or less is more.
Great idea. Not sure how they would fix the Cylon/Predator front grille on it though.
Cylon/Predator/squeezing a fat kids cheeks together.
You wonder if a car company ever stops and says "maybe we've gone too far and this isn't a good direction"?
I walked by a new IS in the parking garage the other day. The tail lights say the designers are trying too hard to be different.
[img] coches.com/fotos_historicas/lexus/IS-300h-Europe-2013/high_lexus_is-300h-eu-2013_r1.jpg[/img]
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We had one of these things over in Vietnam. Not mentioned is the fact that you can remove the driver's seat, unlimber the steering wheel, put the thing in reverse, and drive it while walking behind the vehicle. That option enabled full use of the bed. Great little vehicle albeit bone slow. It was designed to be at its best at walking speed, using one on the street would be dead out for me.
DT parade float?
[img] i.imgur.com/6hKpVhA.jpg[/img]
Ouch.
Cool vehicle, but there are many small electric vehicles now for moving bulk and moderate loads around. We had a little GEM pickup for that purpose.
Have you seen the 21st century replacement? A bit concerning.
youtube.com/watch?v=xqMVg5ixhd0