I'm looking for an Imp cyclecar, in any condition. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Contact me at: jbaeke@parkplaceusa.net
Hi Board track boy. I'm afraid I can't help you: my own inclination would be to see if I can find enough technical information to build a replica. I don't know what Imp production figures were like, but even the output of a fairly prolific manufacturer of that time would be tiny by subsequent standards. The point is not that they'll be rare, but that their original manufacture might have involved a lot of flexibility in specification, which should have some sort of bearing on what exactly a replica/reinterpretation/etc. would be. A lot of people have a sort of "numbers-matching musclecar" mentality that just becomes meaningless outside that manufacturing context: someone was asking about Vintage Bugatti "factory" paint colours on here a while ago, as if they'd have standard codes etc. like GM in 1974. Different worlds. I see from your other posts, though, that you're quite familiar with the singular and exceptional
I don't know if this qualifies as a cycle car. I found this photo, but it doesn't have any caption or anything written on the back. Does anyone have any idea what it is?
Or a very early Bond? Or, judging by the apparently American setting, an American interpretation of that concept? The small wheels rather recall the promotional Austin Sevens adapted for Moreland Matches in 1937:
I found this on the thread, Interesting images from old magazines: The filename suggests that it is a Reyonnah. From my sources, "M. Hannoyer in Paris made this strange folding car with a 175cc Ydral engine" in 1951-1954.
This was seen at this years BTT50's. I don't have any info on it other than it uses a Honda CX500 or CX650 motor.
It seems appropriate, too, given that the 45 cubic inch engine is basically cyclecar sized anyway. The motorcycle-powered Ts never make much sense to me - going from ~170 cubic inches down to less than half that bugs me, even if it is a step up in power (yes, I feel the same way about late-model automobile four bangers). -Dave
Looks like an Austin / Bantam in the back, but the front end needs some work. Reminds me of this car, a Bantam sports rod of sort that has a much better grille and hood, IMHO. Gary
The turbo was also available in the U.S. but the only place I ever saw one was at a Honda dealer. Still occasionally see a non-turbo bike on the street, but not too often.
My shop partner has a CX650 turbo -- complete -- he's offered to me for my three-wheeler but I've based my design on a Honda Goldwing four-cylinder boxer and I want to see it through to the end. Maybe do a second trike later . . . Mike
That Austin/Bantam bodied car Super88 posted is probably based on the fiberglass body sold by Speedway. They just have the tub/rear one-piece body, no matching hood or grille. Would be perfect for such a car -- tube frame, MC engine, small fiberglass body. I've considered using a T tub and turtle deck on a trike -- modify the deck for the wheel, or just use an old style full Harley fender on the rear wheel. Go real retro and leave some T rails back there with a go-cart style axle shaft through a wheel with chain drive. Just a bearing pillow block on a leaf spring on each side of the wheel... Nah, that would be too hill-billy looking!
Check out this link to a new Harley exhibit that includes a cycle car. The rail speeder is a hoot, too. If any of you HAMB & cheese heads see the show, could you send me mass quantities of rail speeder pix? I'd like to do a large scale model of it. Gary http://www.pddnet.com/news-weird-harley_davidson-exhibit-had-rare-items-062711/
http://www.pddnet.com/news-harley_davidson-photos-of-the-day-collection-x-weird-wild-wonders-of-harley_davidson-062711/?et_cid=1737067&et_rid=45637810&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.pddnet.com%2fnews-harley_davidson-photos-of-the-day-collection-x-weird-wild-wonders-of-harley_davidson-062711%2 A better link... Gary
Been a while since this thread's been looked at, but thought this might be interesting - some info on a leaning three wheeler we saw back in the earlier pages. I've been looking for more info on this thing for ages!
Have a look here; http://www.pushnpavement.com/2011/01/31/neander-motorcycles-a-history-lesson/ Seems like a very interesting bloke...
Your post lead to a little research, which lead to the purchase of a book about Mr. Neander. Thanks for the info. I plan to use this in my design class this semester.
Thanks. I was too tired to post all that last night. What tail light is that? Ad text: "Constructed c 1946 in Lake County, CA by a fellow who was fabricating custom equipment for hospitals. It was used as a daily driver into the fifties. In around 1964 the owner was giving a grand child a ride, and hit a tree in his driveway. He then hung it from the rafters of his shop. The next owner mounted it on a tilt trailer, it became a Lake County parade favorite. He would raise the front end, and exhaust a fire extinguisher for blast off! I first saw it in Upper Lake a few years ago, and decide I had to have it. The following to the best of my knowledge, if the provenance of these parts is important to you, please verify: The power train is not in the car The 1949 Triumph twin is the second engine, and was installed sometime in the fifties Trans, wheels, brakes, fenders are Harley Knucklehead. Steering wheel VW. I don't know where the gauges came from. Controls, front axle, suspension, and rear swing arm are all custom. There is no seat. The gas tank is custom fabbed and sits behind the driver. The drop tank is aluminum 300 gallon . I do not see any serious corrosion. The rear swing arm needs to be repaired, or re fabricated, but the design seems sound. Missing right brake drum, needs rewiring, brake lines and various misc work. The engine is not stuck, and has compression, I have not tried to start it. Has a black CA motorcycle plate, the last sticker is 1965. Sold with a bill of sale, only Everyone loves this thing, there is a lot of history here. I don't think you will find another! Will not part out!"
I think it's one of the many different model '57 Ford tail lights. Like this; http://www.carnut.com/cgi-bin/02/image.pl?/show/02/amc/amc023.jpg
Hey - powerwagonmaniac1 (post # 54) is this the one you copied? I have seen it a couple of times at the Schurman Iron Ranch during rural heritage days . . . neat rig! Early Briggs and Stratton entry into the automotive world.
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