|
Post by thirdturn on Jan 6, 2012 9:37:04 GMT 1
The Midget consigned to the auction was built by a group of individuals here in Minnesota. We sold it at Hershey RM Auction in 2010. Any questions.......bobryan@bwig.net. It is an outstanding Midget. It was built on a limitless budget over a period of 2 years.....my Dad and I ran IMCA Oldtimers together for 10 years, when he died, I sold my Midget and his. Is the auctioneer Coys information accurate? Is the car from 1946? Has it ever raced or just been a showpiece item? How did it get to the UK? What I would like answered is this: is the midget under discussion one that was built in 1946 for the purpose of racing. Or is it a replica of a 1946 midget that was built a good few years later. The Coys information tends to indicate that it is a 1946 midget but subsequent postings on here about when it was built have raised small doubts with me about it and the year of its origin as 1946.
|
|
|
Post by haflinger121 on Jan 6, 2012 12:29:35 GMT 1
As I understand it, the frame and other parts were constructed around '46 but never used. The car was built using these and other correct contemporary parts (e.g. the engine) in or about 1980. There is slightly more info about its origins on the US Racing History website.
I would recommend any prospective purchaser to beware of thinking they are buying an ex "war horse"; it probably isn't and has likely never seen any actual race action. Still a very nice piece though!
|
|
|
Post by lostintimeyouknow on Jan 6, 2012 21:15:10 GMT 1
We went to great lengths to keep everything to a late 40's period. Right down to the SW curved glass gauges and Bell Auto Parts hand pump, steering wheel and rear brakes. This was a NOS kit that was never assembled from the 40's.....beautiful body and frame, etc. The motor, transmission and NOS Halibrand quick change were assembled in 2009. We sold this car at Hershey RM auction in 2010 and it went to Europe along with a few other vehicles that were sold at this auction. If there were 50 asphalt laps on this car....that was a lot. This was a show car with no expense spared! Set up with 3 speed V860 transmission, clutch, flywheel, starter and the 60 was balanced, ported and relieved. Edelbrock Equipment, Stromberg 81's, etc.
|
|
|
Post by ezwalk43 on Jan 6, 2012 21:34:46 GMT 1
Have to admit the car looks great - how much leg room is there as with both of my cars, the Kurtis V80-60 with 3 speed and a similar 40's car with in-out box you need to be 5 foot at the most to sit in them comfortably
|
|
|
Post by haflinger121 on Jan 7, 2012 14:46:58 GMT 1
Thanks all that additional info, lostintime, an excellent clarification of what this interesting car is all about.
Ez, however bad your cars are, have you ever tried inserting yourself into a Skirrow? In their case, I think the term 'midget' referred to the ideal size of the driver as much as the class of racing!
|
|
|
Post by rodpashley on Jan 7, 2012 16:16:10 GMT 1
Skirrow, ELTO, very cosy.....or am I a midget......LOL
|
|
|
Post by lostintimeyouknow on Jan 9, 2012 17:21:53 GMT 1
I am 5 feet 9 inches and 170 pounds and I have plenty of room!
|
|
|
Post by haflinger121 on Jan 9, 2012 22:30:45 GMT 1
Let me tell you, at 5' 9" you would find a Skirrow cockpit every bit as cosy as Rod did. I'm 5' 10" and it took me about ten minutes to get in there without breaking something, either on the car or me!
|
|
|
Post by memaerobilia on Jan 9, 2012 23:56:57 GMT 1
Our Skirrow had the spinnerbar and nut,on the steering wheel, to give a quick spin to remove the steering wheel, when getting in or out. I'm 5'10' and uh..."portly..." and it was easy to get in and out.
|
|
|
Post by rodpashley on Jan 10, 2012 0:22:05 GMT 1
UK prewar midgets, from photos, most seem to have detachable steering wheels, fairly easy to get in or out wirh steering wheel removed, probably near impossible if in place.....
|
|
|
Post by lostintimeyouknow on Jan 10, 2012 21:00:57 GMT 1
This Midget has a THOMAS adapter for quick release for the Bell Wheel
|
|
|
Post by ezwalk43 on Jan 16, 2012 18:54:52 GMT 1
Have to say you guys put together a fantastic looking little car - as it doesn't seem to have reached the reserve price I look forward to seeing it on ebay soon!
|
|
|
Post by tobyhalter on Feb 3, 2012 12:00:16 GMT 1
What's happening in regard to the sale of the Ford V8-60 midget at the moment? I presume it was withdrawn at the previously mentioned January auction?
|
|
|
Post by tobyhalter on Feb 3, 2012 12:03:47 GMT 1
Thanks all that additional info, lostintime, an excellent clarification of what this interesting car is all about. Ez, however bad your cars are, have you ever tried inserting yourself into a Skirrow? In their case, I think the term 'midget' referred to the ideal size of the driver as much as the class of racing! Wasn't 1950s driver Dave Hughes more than 6ft 2ins tall and weighed about 16 stone? He seemed to have managed. I also think that you'll find Wilf Davis, another racer from this era, was also on the large size.
|
|
|
Post by haflinger121 on Feb 4, 2012 22:41:19 GMT 1
Toby, you are absolutely right. And I have no idea how either of them got into and drove a Skirrow. I've tried it, and I am a tight enough fit in the Hughes car, at only 5' 10" and about 12 stone. It is no wonder to me that Ivan's second Skirrow - the ex-Rhiando car - has had its bulkhead modified to give more cockpit room.
|
|