The Little Cars
This car is one of two cars I was given by my Wife's Uncle. He called one day and said " Hey, I've got these little car, you want'-em ?" Being curious, I didn't say no. They sat in his barn in crates for about 40 years originally intended to be shipped to a collector in California. Over the years the crates slowly "returned to the earth" and the cars sat on dirt to do what steel does best, RUST! This is the better of the two bodies so as you can see there is a bit of work to do here.
My first thought was; well I guess they are cute, but are they worth the effort? As I disassembled the first car I was amazed at the level of detail and craftsmanship that went into making them. Worth restoring for sure! This won't be a Bondo and rattle-can restoration either. I will be reproducing body panels as close to original (if not better). OK, go ahead, I know what you're thinking.....is this guy certifiably crazy? Well, probably, but I'm having fun!
I have since learned they were made in Bruchsal Germany by the Jhle Brothers who also made cars for roller coasters. They were imported into the U.S. by Morgan Hughes Inc. between 1952 and 1956.
The cars shown here were last used at the Savin Rock Amusement Park in West Haven, CT.
Send me an e-mail if you have any information or know anyone who might know about these cars. Thanks!
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These cars must have been something to see when they were new. There is a lot of detail in the design of these cars. They must have been expensive at the time. Currently available Model T-style amusement park cars run around $7,000. I wonder what these would cost in 2003 dollars? |
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The cars have different shaped grills, the other is a round bullet style grille similar to an old Studebaker. |
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I'm not sure about the originality of the colors. Hopefully if they have been repainted, I'll be able to find some of the original color underneath. |
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The fenders attach to the main body just like an old full size car, body welting and all. |
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The rear body section is removable for major service I guess. There is also a faux spare tire cover hinged and latched. I guess this would allow starting and adding fuel. |
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This the only identification on the car that I have found so far. |
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The rear body section. |
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No, this car isn't "Flintstone" powered, but you might think so from the missing floor. |
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Rack and pinion steering and a single throttle/brake control. |
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Body removed Showing the rear drive. This looks like something that could be used in a small tractor. There is nothing light-weight about these cars. |
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