1960 King Midget Model 3 Micro Car

Description

"A 500 lb. car for $500!". That was one of the first taglines that was pushed by the Midget Motors Corporation when they were marketing their line of King Midget micro-cars. In fact, some were even cheaper than that, weighing in at as little as $270 when they were first introduced in 1947, and they were popular enough to hang around in the US until 1970. Initially sold as a kit in a send-away catalogue, then as an assembled car, and finally as a full-blown assembled production car, the King Midgets were one of the first specialty car companies in America and helped pave the way for companies like Factory Five to find a foothold in the market years later. Although this 1960 Model 3 Micro Car is certainly no Cobra Replica, it's still represents a very unique niche of the market and is actually quite fun to drive. Take a closer look because they don't get more esoteric than this.

Marketed in magazines like 'Popular Science', and directly to handymen and mechanics, these micro-cars capitalized on an enduring American ambition: We like to build our own stuff! That very fact lives still today, and from it have come some of the most innovative projects on the planet, including unique cars like this King Midget. Sure, it's a bit strange, and it likely won't win any beauty contests, but it's also never going to be lumped in with the masses or called simple and plain. The bodywork is rudimentary, to the point that it almost looks like it came from the set of an SNL skit, but within it you can see the cross-sections of a Yugo, a Crosley, maybe an early Jeep, or even some kind of fever-dream Volkswagen that the Germans haven't quite yet anointed with a quirky name. That's sheetmetal atop a purpose-built frame underneath, and the unit-body was welded together for increased strength so you could actually put it out on the road and not feel too vulnerable. The angles are a bit wild, but you do get four fenders, a single windshield, a decklid that lifts up and covers the engine, and an open-mouth grille up front that makes up most of the fascia. The paint color is white and actually looks fairly nice for a driver, thanks in part to straight sheetmetal underneath that suggests that this car was actually built pretty darn well. You also get King Bee style headlights, turn signals incorporated into the front fenders, rear taillights, and bumpers fore and aft that all work together to form a genuine, street-legal vehicle.

It's as simple as you'd expect inside, with a 'get-to-the-point' bench seat upholstered in two-tone vinyl that's probably seen some better days. There's also a wood dash, and it carries a GBI Precision speedometer and auxiliary voltmeter, along with a couple switches and indicators that keep the driver informed of the potential rumbling under the hood. A wood-rimmed Grant GT steering wheel is approaching dangerous ground by classing up the joint, and it's actually mounted on a tilt column that provides more room for the driver. Carpet on the floorboard insulates the cabin a bit, the floor shifter manages the transmission, and a foldable convertible top shelters the cabin from the elements.

The beauty of specialty niche cars like this is that they're ripe for improvement, and at some point in the past, improvement is exactly what this King Midget got in the drivetrain department. Originally outfitted with a 12 horsepower Kohler engine, this lightweight Model 3 now scoots under the power of 570cc, 18 horsepower Briggs & Stratton motor that was built in 1991. With the help of Mikuni carburetor, there's more than enough power to maneuver the 117-inch wheelbase, and a Subaru rear end was cut down and fitted so that both wheels spin via the 1-speed transmission. That's right, 1-speed - which is forward - but don't fret, you get a reverse gear as well. There's a primitive one-shock system up front that helps the car steer accurately, while out back you'll find a coilover suspension incorporated from a snowmobile. I mentioned this car was incredibly inventive, right? 5.70-8 tires are adorned with bright hubcaps to finish the look, and they're just flashy enough to let everyone know that this King Midget Model 3 makes no apologies for itself.

As unique and inventive as they come, this rare example is one of only 238 known to exist today. Get yourself a piece of specialty car history and call today!