The Little Cars

Engine 

When I received these cars, the engines were missing. I had no idea what was used to power these cars. 

One day I got an e-mail from someone who had a later version of a car also made by the Jhle Brothers. (The later versions had fiberglass bodies that looked like a Mercedes-Benz). He called me to discuss the cars and gave me a great deal of information on the history of the cars. Thanks Richard! One very interesting fact was that the cars were powered by a German-made single cylinder Hirth 2-cycle engines. I asked if he ever came across any and his response was "no way, you'll never find one of those engines!".

I contacted Hirth, still in business producing engines for ultra-light planes, but they had changed ownership many years ago, and they had no information on the older engines. I lurked around vintage snowmobile sites hoping to find a lead. Then I just happen to come across a listing for an "antique Hirth engine" on E-Bay. Reading the description it stated the engine came from an amusement park car in Atlantic City! 

Now to try an get this thing to make some noise!

Send me an e-mail if you have any information or know anyone who might know about these cars. Thanks!