History Bantam - A small car

I own a Bantam (In pieces-this is not my car). People have no concept of how small they are. I saved this image to help understand. It's like a 3/4 scale car.
I think Fatty Arbuckle probably would look like half the current US population today if he was in a new F-250!

 

There is also this thread: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/anyone-build-an-austin-seven-1930-ish-hot-rod.1273893/

The 1936-39 Singer Bantam is entirely unrelated to the Austin Seven or the American Bantam. It is slightly bigger, being classed as a 9hp car according to the British fiscal horsepower system.

 

I made it in. What’s the issue?

 

You're correct. The word "Bantam" comes from a little Indonesian chicken. It's confusing because in the 20's & 30's, some manufacturers both US and European used the word "Bantam" to describe any small car, as in a miniature of their primary line. Even American Austin ('30-'34) did it in their own literature before the company became American Bantam ('37-'40).
All the drag racers when describing an American Austin fiberglass replica bodied Altered say, "Austin Bantam", which was never a car manufacturer, We can sorta give them a pass, because they're talking about a "Bantam-sized" American Austin. So if you wanna sound accurate to the like 7 people who know this arcane terminology, it's either an American Austin, or an American Bantam. I can't believe I actually laid all this out, after review, I realize what a nerd I sound like- total first world problem here. I just feel compelled because I love these little freaks!

 

I think that the car was built around him. It seems to be form fitting.

 

I swear that’s not me getting out at work!!! When I was a little boy, (born 1974), Mom and Dad got me a book titled “The Elephant Who Liked to Smash Small Cars”. I’ve come to realize that I’m the Elephant.

 

"Seats a family of four comfortably*!!"
*or one man who ate enough for a family of four.

 

I've wanted a coupe as long as I can remember.

 

It was Bantams concept and design which became the WW 2 Jeep. They were built by Ford as Bantam didn't have the capacity.

 

There once was a man from Boston, who owned an Austin. It held a gallon of gas, and room for his ass. But his nuts hung out and he lost them.

 

This was the iconic moment that Waldo came to realize momma was right, he was a little overweight.

 

I think that we are going to need a bigger boat. Roy Scheider in" JAWS".

 

Close.
"You're gonna need a bigger boat." - Chief Brody / JAWS

 

The definition of blivet... in pictorial form.

 

I'm right there with you Mohr hp. Austin Bantam is like fingernails on a blackboard for me.

 

My uncle had a Bantam roadster when I was a kid, He love to drive the car in the snow.
We froze our asses off but he sure had fun.

 

Here’s one for sale in Bakersfield
$4500.00 I believe

 

“Who has the last laugh now?…”
Now help me get the f*** out of this thing!”

 

Me too. Mine is always entered as an 1932 American Austin.

 

Call it what you want but regardless it's TIT'S IMHO

 

Nice little hot rod. Did you have a thread on it? If not, post more pictures please...

 

Little known, less cared about fact; When WWII started the US military put out a request for bids on a new utility vehicle. Car manufacturers were to submit designs and the military would choose the one that best fit their needs, American Bantam submitted the design for the military JEEP and won the contract. Problem was, they were WAY to small a company to fulfill even the initial order so the US Military awarded the contract to Willys who was in receivership in the late 30s, but still one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world. They took Bantam's design and gave it to Willys.

 

. . . but early, didn't American Bantam still build some for the government?

 

Then there's always the American Bantam Utility Trailer.

Lee

 

Yes, American Bantam was the sole manufacturer of jeeps put into service by the U.S. Army during 1940. All together American Bantam built 2,675 jeeps from 1940 through 1943, with the bulk of those vehicles being delivered during 1941.