Headed for the lake

 

Protective coloration

A person working on their firewood came across the frog that is shown in the first image. Can you find him in the second image after he moved? He can be found in the center of the second image. Apparently this species of tree frog is capable of adjusting his color between gray and green for added protection.

1953 Maico Mobil

The Maico Mobil was produced from 1950 until 1958. It was powered by a 150 cc two stroke engine and had a three speed manual transmission that was shifted by a twist grip on the handlebars. In 1953 the displacement was increased to 175cc and an optional 200cc was added in 1955. It was also in 1955 that the transmission was upgraded to a four speed and shifting was accomplished with a heel and toe action. Notice that it carried a spare tire affxed to the rear. This scooter has a real George Jetson feel to it.

Daihatsu Midget II

 The Midget II falls under the umbrella of Kei vehicles in Japan. The Midget II was perfect for navigating alleyways and making deliveries. Read about limitations on being classified as a Kei vehicle at Wikipedia.

Steam powered motorcycle

 

James Aldridge on his new 1912 Indian

 

Mercedes 300SL

Whenever I see a Mercedes gullwing it takes me right back to about 1959. My uncle had a trucking company in Columbiana County, Ohio.  He had a huge parking lot and his drivers would park their cars there before going to work. My cousin and I would sometimes play in their cars. I specifically remember a silver gullwing and it was a favorite of mine. It had red leather like the one in this picture. When we went on our imaginary drives we had to leave the doors up because otherwise we couldn't deal with the heat build up. I probably would have forgotten about playing in the car if it hadn't been a gullwing, but it holds a special place in my memory because of those unusual doors. Even at eleven years old I recognized that this car was unusual and special.

By the time I was old enough to realize just how special it was no one was able to provide any information on the driver or the car. Production on the gullwing coupe was from 1954 until 1957 so it couldn't have been more than five years old. How did a guy who was employed as a truck driver acquire a Mercedes gullwing?