Post Sale Update: After being relisted, this P81 sold for $3,050 with 20 bids on eBay.
Powell Manufacturing switched from making radios to motor scooters in the mid 1930’s in their Compton, California plant. They went to full war production in 1942 (they built an ultra lightweight for American Airborne troops) but picked their scooters back up after the war. In 1949 they introduced the P81 custom, a direct competitor to the Mustang ‘light motorcycle’.
The 1950 Powell P81 Custom used an 24 CID (393 CC) air cooled single cylinder four stroke motor that pushed 8 HP through a centrifugal clutch (single speed) for a top speed of 45 MPH. Telescopic front forks, a rigid rear and a total weight of 190 LBS completed the package.
This particular Powell P81 Custom (VIN: UO3017) is in Bakersfield, California listed as a good running original. It is said to be the rare blue color, but you have to look pretty close to see it. The bike is currently priced at $501.01 with the reserve not met