1957 Forall Scooter Unrestored Original
Lot Number: 12
Time Remaining: 18d 1h 27m
Current Bid: $260.00
Start Time: 09/01/2026 12:00 PM Central
End Time: 11/09/2026 06:00 PM Central
Bid Count: 20
Location: 20114 Illinois Route 16, Nokomis, IL 62075
From the Don Henley Collection
1957 FORALL SCOOTER
An Artifact of Springfield, Illinois, Manufacturing History
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
The FORALL scooter was produced from 1957 through 1959 by Bob Baugh and the Illinois Foundry in
Springfield, Illinois. Baugh was a co-owner of the Illinois Foundry, which was apparently one of the largest foundries in Illinois during the mid-to-late 1950s. By this period, however, the foundry had fallen on difficult times, and much of its property was reportedly sitting idle. According to the history associated with the FORALL, Baugh encountered the remains of a Doodlebug scooter around Springfield. He borrowed the scooter from its owner with the intention of using it as the foundation for developing a scooter of his own. Baugh brought the Doodlebug to the Illinois Foundry and made a number of modifications to its design. The resulting FORALL was approximately one-third larger than the Doodlebug. Some Doodlebug components were retained and could be used as direct bolt-on components on early FORALL scooters, including the handlebars and gasoline tank. According to the story, Baugh later expressed his appreciation to the owner of the original Doodlebug by presenting him with the first FORALL scooter produced from the line.
DISTINCTIVE CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN
The FORALL possesses several features that distinguish it from the Doodlebug and other small scooters of its period. A particularly notable feature is its cast-aluminum floorboard. Later FORALL models were also equipped with a cast-aluminum belt guard. Both the floorboard and belt guard are constructed of cast aluminum, demonstrating the use of the Illinois Foundry's manufacturing capabilities in the scooter's construction. The handlebars and gooseneck were adapted from bicycle components and are chrome plated. These combinations of foundry-produced components and adapted bicycle parts contribute to the FORALL's distinctive appearance and mechanical character.
CONTROL SYSTEM
The control arrangement of the FORALL differs somewhat from that of the Doodlebug and may initially seem unusual to a modern rider.
Control arrangement:
• Throttle — Left side
• Brake — Right side
The controls are not spring operated. Consequently, both the throttle and brake must be manually opened and closed by the operator. The FORALL utilizes bicycle shift-lever-style controllers, an unusual but characteristic feature of the scooter. The rear band brake is constructed from a section of V-belt that rubs against the rear hub.
ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN
The FORALL is powered by a 2½-horsepower Tecumseh engine. The engine is equipped with a centrifugal clutch connected to a countershaft. This basic arrangement is similar to the drivetrain configuration used on the Doodlebug scooter. The engine represents an interesting period in the history of American small-engine manufacturing during the late 1950s.
PRODUCTION AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The FORALL had a relatively brief production history, manufactured from approximately 1957 through 1959. It is estimated that approximately 1,800 to 2,500 FORALL scooters were produced. The original selling price was $189. Although its production period was short, the FORALL represents an intriguing example of mid-century American manufacturing ingenuity. Its development was closely connected to the Springfield, Illinois, industrial community and to the capabilities of the Illinois Foundry. The scooter also illustrates the creative reuse and adaptation of existing components that was characteristic of small-scale American manufacturing during the 1950s.
MUSEUM ARTIFACT PROFILE
Item Historical Detail
Collection Don Henley Collection, Springfield, Illinois
Manufacturer Illinois Foundry
Location Springfield, Illinois
Designer / Developer Bob Baugh
Production Period 1957–1959
Estimated Production Approximately 1,800–2,500 scooters
Original Price $189
Engine 2½-horsepower Tecumseh
Clutch Centrifugal clutch
Drivetrain Countershaft
Floorboard Cast aluminum
Item Historical Detail
Belt Guard Cast aluminum on later models
Handlebars / Gooseneck Adapted bicycle components
Throttle Left-hand control
Brake Right-hand control
Rear Brake V-belt band brake
AACA Recognition 2017 HPOF Certification
A REMARKABLE PIECE OF SPRINGFIELD HISTORY
The FORALL scooter is more than a small motor scooter from the 1950s. It is a tangible representation of a particular period in Springfield's industrial history, when foundries, machine shops, and small manufacturers possessed the ability to transform existing designs and components into entirely new products. This FORALL scooter is a running, complete, and totally original specimen, preserving its original character and features from the period in which it was manufactured. The FORALL received HPOF certification in 2017 from the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). HPOF stands for “Historic Preservation of Original Features,” a national AACA program recognizing vehicles that retain significant original features and components. Its short production run, limited estimated numbers, distinctive cast-aluminum construction, unusual control system, connection to the Doodlebug, 2017 AACA HPOF certification, and its exceptional state of completeness and originality make the FORALL an especially interesting artifact of American small-engine and scooter history. The FORALL stands as an example of the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and manufacturing experimentation that characterized the late 1950s—and as a unique piece of Springfield, Illinois, heritage
Aumann Auctions is proud to present an extraordinary collection of incredible vintage automobiles and motorcycles spanning more than 90 years of motoring history. Headlined by the Don Henley Collection featuring some extraordinary Fords that are second to none! From the pioneering days of the 1914 Ford Model T Touring to the elegance and innovation of the great Classic Era, the collection offers an impressive journey through automotive history. Among the early Ford offerings are a 1925 Ford Model TT Fire Truck Pumper, 1933 Ford V8 Roadster Pickup and elegant 1935 Ford Deluxe Phaeton. But the real standout Fords are the pristine 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman and the 1947 For Super Deluxe Woody Wagon! Be sure to study all the documentation, awards, recognitions and photographs that prove these Fords to be of the absolute highest quality.
Along with Don's collection, we are proud to offer another great selection of cars from a fellow collector including an impressive 1936 Auburn Boat Tail Speedster, 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged, 1939 Cadillac Fleetwood V16, 1957 Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado Biarritz Convertible and a 1932 Cadillac V-16 Fleetwood! Some incredible 2-wheelers round out the offering with a 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, 1941 Indian Four with Sidecar, 1949 Powell P-81 Motorcycle, 1951 Whizzer Sportsman and a historic 1957 Forall Scooter! The collection brings together some of the most iconic names and designs of the American road. From early Fords and elegant pre-war classics to woodies, convertibles and legendary motorcycles, every corner of this collection reflects exceptional quality, craftsmanship and character. A remarkable collection. An exceptional opportunity.
20114 IL RT 16, Nokomis, IL 62075