Space Age 1950s Walker Executive Golf Cart
Without a doubt, one of the most unique and just plain coolest designs for a golf cart maybe ever, this 1950s Walker Executive Golf Cart is about as rare as it gets. If you’re a golfer who wears your pant legs tucked into your socks, this is the cart for you. The seller has it listed here on craigslist in an area that knows a thing or two about golf courses: Fort Myers, Florida and they’re asking $4,000. Thanks to Ikey H. – who oddly enough also wears his pant legs tucked into his socks – for sending in this tip!
This is it, this is the one to have. I know, it’s tippy, it’s a three-wheel golf cart with a single wheel in the front. My response to that is, don’t drive like a maniac, problem solved. Next slide…
The seller has this Walker Executive golf cart listed as a 1955 model but the company didn’t start to make them until 1957 so I’m not sure what year it really is. I wish they would have included a photo of a VIN tag or some other numbers but maybe there isn’t such a thing on this one. Max Walker started making the Executive golf cart due to his frustration with the battery-powered golf carts at the time. They always seemed to run out of juice towards the last hole.
Running out of battery power isn’t a problem with this cart or other similar gas-powered Walker carts. The unique center tiller-type steering enables either front seat passenger to steer and it’s hard to argue with the overall design. Given that this is from the mid-1950s, that makes it even more desirable for those folks who are into mid-century modern style. Could you imagine using this cart in Palm Springs? I couldn’t because I haven’t golfed in 30 years, but maybe in the early-90s I could have. Here’s a side view of it with the body raised off of the frame in order to gain access to the drivetrain.
And, a right-front view of it with the drivetrain exposed. I wish that the seller would have included as many photos as craigslist allows, but I also wish for world peace and a cure for every disease but we can’t have it all. The engine is an 8-hp Kohler and all I know is this would be a fun winter restoration project. I don’t need a golf cart but I would love to have this one. Have any of you seen a Walker Executive golf cart?
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Comments
I tuck my pant legs in my socks both on and off the golf course! It keeps the bottom of pant legs from fraying – I have pants I bought 30+ years ago that look brand new!
Ha! We knew that you were a trendsetter, Ikey! Keep finding and sending in those great tips!
I just can’t see myself slaloming through a golf course in this thing. Hands off for ugly, ungainly and adding to my already dreadful handicap.
It probably runs better in reverse, but then it would operate like a combine.
Driving a golf cart like a maniac is all I know….
How many ash trays and cigarette lighters did they come with as standard equipment?
I have a love for pre 1980s motorcycles, atv, golf cart, snowmachine, Cushman and the like. I can promise you that the best use for this is as a display. Do not dream of driving it on the course as your golf cart. Even fully restored. All of this era stuff requires extensive tinkering almost each time it is started.
Honda’s small engines have changed our expectation of reliability just as Amazon has changed our expectations that shipping adds no value and should be free with overnight delivery.
I’d have no use for it other than maybe cranking around the neighborhood, but dang that is some 1950s cool and it would be fun to restore. Overpriced though.. If I blew the engine I could put one of my HiPo 2 stroke kart engines in it and end up doing some barrel rolls.
I’d have no use for it, but dang that is some 1950s cool. It’d be fun to restore & crank around the neighborhood & watch people’s eyes bug out.
What an awkward layout; tiller steering, from both sides? Or does the single occupant put a cheek on each cushion, straddling the “console”?
What do you get when you cross a ’50’s camper with a Cushman? This abomination.
At this price, this doesn’t even come close to a good gag gift for my dad who lives on one of the golf courses in Ft. M.
All true, but imagine the stories after downing the first six-pack.
Restored with a stunning paint job, this would be fun to have in an AZ. retirement community where they allow these! Be the star on YOUR block as you cruise by on this!
I absolutely have to own one of these before I die. I now have a bucket list.
The tiller steering allows either side to steer over to a golf ball and pick it up without getting out of the cart. A timesaver when you hit that second ball or your mulligan/provisional.
Especially handy on very hilly courses. I have seen such steering mechanisms on older gas carts on the local VA mountain course used for years. Never thought they looked odd. Didn’t know any better.
This thing is beyond cool..and I hate golf! Not sure I’d restore it and just enjoy it as is..my very own rat cart!
This deserves more power. Maybe replace the lawnmower engine with the drivetrain from the wrecked Ford GT.
I would of course go for a 318 Poly Swap. That would really make this vehicle fly🤪
Can’t help but note the irony of a golf cart named “Walker”…
The ‘Walker’ name is to plant a seed in your mind, just in case…
And plenty of room for the oxygen tanks!
A cart that is truly fit for a 60’s “Bond-Villain” so his army of evil-doers can transport themselves throughout the vast underground facility that holds the weapons of mass destruction to be used to extort money from all countries on the planet.
Wouldn’t a gas powered cart be a bit of a distraction on a golf course?
Pristine example went for over $12k
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0120/driving-into-summer/lots/r0061-1957-jato-walker-executive/888694
Great link Mark! So it does have some potential. As a side note, I always had a hard time keeping my bellbottoms tucked into my socks. Happy Haloween to all!
It should have had the starring role in “Caddyshack”
This has to be the most beautiful and unusual pre-1970 golf cart I’ve ever seen.
How many pre-1970 golf carts have you actually seen?
Ike, For 30 years I had a very long walk between my restoration shop and my home, so I’ve gone thru more than a few vintage golf carts, and I tried to keep an extra one or two around just in case one needed to be replaced or required long term repairs.
That said, I can agree with you they’re damn rare today, especially the ones from the 1950s.
I just picked up a 1957 Jato Walker, my serial number is #000630. Mine has its fair amount of Swiss cheese, but will be a great summer project!
I know this is old but I want to add some facts about this cart. The Max Walker built the executive cart from 57-63 after that it was sold to Jato manufacturing. This cart appears to be the Jato. I owne 3 walkers and have spent time talking to the family about them. I’m no expert but learning lots about these cool carts.
The cart is only worth a couple of hundred bucks as it sits being a pile of junk in desperate need of restoration.