Projects What Do I Call This Mini Dirt Track Racer/Roadster/Rod

I don't know what to call this. The frame is modified Model T and it originally had an American Bantam drivetrain (now missing except for the front axle). It is approximately 9 feet long and 4 feet wide. The body is hand formed... the grille is ?.

I just picked up a Daimler 2.5 litre Hemi and Borg Warner 35 transmission for it.

But what do I call it? (and if anyone recognizes it, PLEASE educate me. It may have been built by a fellow named Hawkins in Texas for his grand daughter... he may have built other mini cars for his other grandchildren)

 

Hmmm, I reckon I'd call it a Personal Roadster....

 

pocket roadster

 

Modified

 

Cool!!?
Clark

 

I would definitely call it cool. What a neat little rod.
With a shoehorn and a quart of oil, I could fit in it.

 

Call it whatever you like. Myself one word would have to be.....COOL. It looks like about the scale I've envisioned for a modified project powered by one of my v8 60's.

Frank

 

iv seen that car on here before

 

I would love to find that thread if you can remember anything about it.

 

Bump for the morning crew... does anyone recognize this wee roadster?

 

I would consider that to be in the micro car class of vehicles. There are several other micro car owners here on this site that own Isetta, Diahatsu, Subaru, American Bantam etc. How about Micro Rod? I hope someday to put my Escort 1.9L in my Daihatsu Trimobile. Then there will be 2 micro rods on the planet.

 

I just call it "Bitchin"

 

I'd call it "FUN"

 

Did you happen to find Fez in it?

 

I would like to call it mine....

 

quarter midget, if it was a race car. I think if you told people it was the very first "dwarf car" they'd believe you, though.

 

Reminds me of one of those one-bite miniature candy bars.

"It's not small, it's FUN-SIZE!"

 

That's slick, It looks like it would be a better home for a Crosley 4 banger or English Ford four banger than that little Hemi though.

 

the little car just came of ebay listed under other makes. two weeks ago. iit had a history of the builder included and is constructed of dif. parts. its neat. tom

 

thats what she said....
sorry I had too

 

call it awsome.

 

mighty midget? Handful Hemi? Shriner Streamliner? Demi Hemi? Kiddie Kart? Devito special? Salt Flat Squirt?

 

Squirt tracker!!!!

 

I picked it up and dragged it home today... more photos tomorrow as it was dark when I arrived tonight.

I did get this photo, it was rescued from use as a lawn ornament in 2002. Anybody with sharp enough eyes to ID the engine in the mulch as an Austin/Bantam?



It's a shame the fenders went AWOL after this photo.

 

I also got a copy of this article:

Mr. Hawkins Very Unusual Austins & Bantams

Mr. R.C. Hawkins of Dallas, Texas sends us some very unusual photos of Austins and Bantams in his life. Two of these photos we are reprinting here for your enjoyment. The of the two cars and the two boys, which are Mr. Hawkins sons, are quite unique. The cars both were hand-assembled using Austin coupe bodies. The one on the left used a Whippet frame and engine, Model B Ford rear fenders with Pierce Arrow front fenders and headlights. The car on the right used a Chevrolet frame, Whippet radiator shell and Austin headlights. All four fenders are Model B Ford.

I have studied this photo to a great extent and believe that a great amount of fine craftsmanship was required to build each of these cars and well as a lot of ingenuity.

The other photo is of a racing car Mr. Hawkins built years ago using a Model T frame, '34 Dodge radiator shell, V8 radius rods, Austin engine, transmission, drive line, rear end and wheels.

Mr. Hawkins also states that a 1940 Austin 7 (British) 4 speed will fit right into American Austins.

 

LOL! I'll set 'em up, you knock 'em down!

 

If you manage to fit that tiny little Daimler V8 in it, I'd suggest you call it something like Reginald, or Nigel.

Or Larry. You absolutely can't go wrong by calling it Larry.

 

I have pictures of the car in the back of a truck from the "Greaserama" in 2003', they are on a computer that is not hooked up. I can dig them out for you.

Chris

Oh yea, I think that I asked the same thing back in 03' on the HAMB "What is this car?".

 

I don't know what it was called but I think that I saw it at KKOA (Salina) either last year or the year before last....

-COS

 

It appears the previous owner(s) enjoyed taking it to shows!