This is an amazing exemplar of one of the most popular fun micro cars ever made. With only around 500 units ever manufactured and an estimate of less than 30 units surviving to our days, this micro car is undoubtedly a much desired item among micro car collectors.
A bit of history:
Back in 1946, Claud Dry and Dale Orcutt, who were civil air patrol pilots during World War II, associated to develop an inexpensive, affordable little car, using a single-speed, centrifugal-clutch automatic transmission of their own design. Conceived to be powered by a single cylinder engine, and driven by a single wheel (to avoid the need for a differential), it was able to carry just one passenger. The car was designed using aircraft lightening techniques and unit body construction in order to make it strong and lightweight.
The first micro car sold by the Midget Motors Supply (lately known as Midget Motors Manufacturing Co. and finally as Midget Motors Corporation) had the name ‘King Midget’ The first series (Model I) was manufactured between years 1946 and 1951.
The first units were sold as a kit which contained the frame, axles, suspension springs, and the steering assembly. It also included dimensioned patterns for the manufacture of the sheet metal panels for the body, and of course, an assembly manual. Lately, the Model I also became available factory assembled, equipped with a rear-mounted, air-cooled, 6 HP Wisconsin engine.
