Let's Talk Cyclecars

I can't remember the name of this one but it's one of several hill climb specials. They all started with ****** Mary built by John Bolster while in highschool in the late 1920's. She sat in a museum for many years until someone bought her and started racing again. Amazing story

 

I saw the Oak swamp car at the Beaulieu Autojumble (i.e. swapmeet) earlier this year. Chatted to the bloke about the car; cars with Crosley motors are certainly rare in the UK. I've only seen one other car so fitted, which was like a small scale 32 roadster; it had twin SU carbs fitted on the Crosley unit and seemed to go very well.

 

Amilcar, pilotes André Morel et Albert Divo.
Course de rampe au garage de Banville rue de Courcelles, Paris 26 Février 1927. I wonder...are they actually racing or just posing for a photograph?

 

I'd say just posing, they're to relaxed.

 

exactly my point

 

The cyclecars are in the back round.
Renault tractor used to tow gasoline-powered cars during the weigh-in of the Grand Prix de l'A.C.F., Semblançay June 30, 1923.
(Gallica, Rol)

 

More from Gallica!
G.N., pilotes n°110 Lombard, n°111 Honel et n°112 Ramón Bueno, pesage de l'épreuve pour cyclecars Paris-Nice, Neuilly sur Seine 1921.
(Gallica, Rol)

 

Some additional information

 

... and some more pics.

 

Racing up parking garages? What could possibly go wrong?

 

Wow, I think about doing that every time I enter one of those. They actually did it!!

 

More photos of the Grafton Cyclecar - built by Tim Gunn

 

Welcome, Nuts & Bolts!

 

Basil Davenport's SPIDER. Color images from the AUTOMOBILE by Stefan Marjoram.

 

Along with ****** Mary these are my favorite two specials. Spider's overhead cam twin is a monster engine!! Thanks for the posts.

 

I sure wish the bits and bobs to build something like this was available around here. No Autojumble in Georgia.

 

What? You have the biggest one in the USA right in Georgia. You never heard of Moultrie?
https://moultrieswapmeet.com/

 

Just look at the size of that hooter! 1921 Carden cyclecar

 

Eh, whatever, I was at Moultrie last spring. I'm talking about parts to build cyclecars. Moultrie is great if you have a muscle car or an 80's street rod. I'm talking about small 110 year old cars and parts, little engines that no one here has ever seen, narrow track axles, non Henry Ford stuff. I love over powered Big Block hot rods, but if you build a cycle car, it can't have an American made V8, (unless you find a Curtiss OX-5 or something like that).

 

I agree. When I set about to re-create Richard Scaldwell’s GN JAP creation, I quickly learned that without a lightweight engine, and chain drive rear “diff”, it was not going to happen. So, my tribute build became more or less an American Hotrod homage that will look somewhat like his, but based on early Ford components for the most part. Over the years I have come across early UK ch***is of Austin 7s? which is about as close you can get.

 

Look at '80's vintage MotoGuzzi; V twin engine/gearbox, shaft drive out the back end. 80-100 HP. Look at what you can do with that: https://jzrusa2.blogspot.com/

 

I agree, Guzzi V twins are pretty cool, and definitely make enough power for American roads. I do have an extra Bantam ch***is....

 

That's a good start. Do you have a lathe and milling machine? Lots of stuff has to be hand made to fit it all up.

 

Imagine having a catalog outlet like Chater Lea that sold a lot of parts to build a cyclecar. I also have one of those Bantam frames. I don't know what kind of engine that would be small enough though.

 

Here's Dougal Cawley headed to Circuit des remparts d’Angouleme in France. That's a small car, he's a big man, and that's quite a bit of gear. I'm sure a**** the clothes there are some tools and chains.

 

Wonder how the French cops react to the lack of lighting on the front of his car.

 

Not sure if I’ve seen this car before. Interesting to see the friction shocks beneath the front springs.
Is that the licence “plate” number painted on the front axle and rear body?

 

Yes,thats the licence plate . I've had vintage French cars where a new "plate" was just painted over the old "plate"