West Bend, WI – The owners of Stellar Motors in West Bend, WI, recently picked up a unique vehicle that has quite the backstory. The best explanation is it’s a well-crafted, handmade people mover. According to owner Lucas Serwe, it was specifically designed to move people in wheelchairs.
“I always get the same question,” said Serwe. “What are you going to do with it?”
Dinosaur Game: Use up-and-down arrows to play.
“We really don’t have an answer… it’s just, whatever…”
The vehicle has the front end of a 1983 Chrysler Le Baron. The rest of the red car with vintage wood paneling was cut off at the front door leaving the dashboard, steering wheel, foot pedals, and a handmade silver plate on the dash that reads ‘Maximum load capacity 10 persons.’
The rest of the vehicle is a long grey flatbed trailer with welded safety railings and a loading ramp in back.
“You sit and stare because there is a lot to take in,” said Serwe. “The ingenuity is interesting… and then you look some more and see something else. It took work, for sure. But, now it’s here.”
Questioned what his understanding wife’s response was when he told her about his latest investment. “She said, huh,” said Serwe.
Some of the more unique aspects of the vehicle: it has front-wheel drive, there is no seatbelt on the driver’s seat, there are two key slots by the ignition, the vehicle runs well, the radio works, and the gas tank is behind the front bumper.
The gas cap is tucked behind the grill, and you have to push in the lower right corner to access. (see video)
How did the vehicle make its way from Cedar Community to Stellar Motors, 5064 County Road P? You’ll have to stop and ask Serwe or Bryan at the front desk; he’s still picking the bugs out of his teeth because there’s no windshield on the vehicle either.
On a history note: This is not Serwe’s first collectible at Stellar Motors. When he initially moved into the former Gehl Company/Horlamus Industries building, they found some treasures during the remodel.
One more update: The mystery of the vehicle has been solved as the builder of the people mover was identified and found living in the Town of Trenton. Stay tuned for the rest of the story.
I am certainly very interested in the follow up,and those pbr cans may have some value to them,just an FYI!!