Reply To: Request a list of the “beautiful” WWII era motors

[Honorcode]

Thank you for the reply, Squierka39 and the rest of AOMC for replying. I asked this question because I am receiving replies to this stream with photos of these amazing motors in “better than new” condition. It seems that these are meant to be display peices given the effort and expense that it takes to restore them.

My brother is dating a lady who owns a marina in Michigan (off Lake Michigan), and they got me interested in Antique motors. They are suggesting that I buy the following (she already owns most of these and they are in better-than-new condition. They are on display at her Marina and private home:

* 1938 Clarke Troller (display only, not safe to use)
* Elto Twin Cylinder Pre-WWII (suggest that I get one that is for display, possible investment motor)
*1939 Johnson LT39 (historically significant, 1st aluminum block, other new technologies, parts are plentiful, rock-solid runner )
* Caille (display only, no spare parts)
* Elto 1 cyclinder pal or cub (these make excellent displays, but parts are plentiful, so also good runners.)
* Neptune (running motor, parts are plentiful)
*1930 – 1940ish Water witch any model (display only, no parts, possible investment motor)
*1939 MS-39 (display, no spare parts).
* Mercury Rocket 4 HP (display or running – parts are getting hard to find)
* 1920ish Johnson 2 cylinder (display, parts are scarce, possible investment motor)
* Anything called a rowboat motor (display only, parts are scarce. investment potential)

Please understand that I can not afford to buy all of this, maybe 2 motors for display, and 1 motor for running. I already decided to buy the LT39 as it will be perfect for my canoe. If it were your money, what would you buy? What is the maximum price that you would pay for a fully restored motor vs a running motor that is cosmetically banged up?

Thanks