Let's Talk Cyclecars

Early 2021 I went to a farm property to look at a Ford Prefect ute and the Austin was there, also a couple of Chev utes and an old caravan with stained glass windows; the property was being cleared; I didn't buy anything.

 

The utes must have been pretty rough then....if you didn't buy anything.

 

The concertina features strongly in Boeremusiek, a local traditional form.





Profuse apologies.

 

The Prefect ute was a 1946 to 1948 model (A53A), not an easy-to-find model. The A pillars had been cut through about half way up the height of the windscreen - very neatly [a hacksaw?] I have to say, so the roof and the tub (back) of the ute had been removed in one piece. This must have been done decades ago so that someone young, I imagine, could fang around the farm in an 'open' vehicle.
I was hoping that the chassis might be in good condition but anything that old used on a farm or dirt roads gets dirt/mud building up in the chassis, which causes rust. The property owner was in aged care or hospital and the property was being cleared. The people doing the sale wanted too much for the ute for what it was, I have lack of space and I would have had to persuade someone to help me bring it back. I will post some pics of the ute on the 'sitting/rotting' thread soon-ish. (They are up there now ... I am using up some of my best material very quickly ... the brightest stars burn out the quickest ... )

 

BSA, in its time period, outsold Morgan 4 to 1. They were great at Trials events with FWD and usually beat Morgans. They have never had the popularity or sale price that Morgan has.

 

Thanks Ned. I was not aware of that music style. That guy is quite good!!

 

Could this gem be classified a cyclecar?

 

No matter what it is ,we will enjoy looking at it without complaint or criticism. Any details? Thanks!

 

There's been a thread about this one. I believe it is currently in the UK?

 

I couldn't bring myself to watch more than the first few seconds!

 

Build thread:
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...is-mini-dirt-track-racer-roadster-rod.462587/

 

After looking at the build thread....I do recall this car. It's probably posted years back in this thread.

 

fredvv44: you mentioned BSA; I knew nothing about their cars but recently came across this BSA Scout. 21 Nov 1937 there was a reliability trial for women drivers in Sydney, Oz. (Photos by Alec Iverson; creators Australian Consolidated Press and Consolidated Press; State Library of New South Wales) Nice-looking car

 

I also liked the 1935-1937 Ford CX roadster that was participating in the reliability trial [second car from the front, number plate 224-485]. These roadsters were Australian-built, not available in the UK. The CX is flanked by four Morris 8/40's (I think that's what they are). (Alec Iverson, ACP and CP, State Library of New South Wales)

 

Right, it's one of those love or hate things.

 

Put a hemi in that??? Why not a Merlin if you want to be ridiculous?

 

a nice article about Sandford cyclecars....via M.H.
https://patrimoineautomobile.com/sa...uPEKKbwVH8gQVHD-nWnwhiKDD8I4IZmmPIhdv9GgNvlmQ

 

The Sandford was a nice 3 wheeler. I didn't know they offered it with a twin.

 

'Mr Luppino of Bonyrigg, midget car builder, November 1959'; photos by R. Donaldson; Australian Consolidated Press and Consolidated Press; Pix magazines; Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

 

Great!!

 

'Assembling midget cars, 2 September 1938' - State Library of New South Wales; ACP Magazines, Pix magazine

 

Under 'Midget racing cars, Canberra', State L ibrary of New South Wales, Sam Hood (1872-1953) photos

 

Very nice. ERA's were really hot in Europe for sports car racing in the day. All alum, twin cam engine!!

 

Amilcar at Epoquauto 2022. photos by M.H. https://epoquauto.com/

 

a Riley four cylinder block with custom dual overhead cam cylinder head. Many were supercharged.

 

Darmont M.H. pics

 

Hmm. Riley had twin cams in the block, as I understand it. Just this week I had a look at a Lotus 23 engine. It used a Ford 1600cc? block (same as used for the Kent crossflow head) and the Lotus twin cam head. Lotus tapped some of the lifter holes and then plugged them. I assume to control oil flow back to the pan. Interesting stuff.

 

ERA used Riley block and ERA head....

https://www.collierautomedia.com/english-racing-automobiles-live-on-the-story-of-the-iconic-e-r-a

 

mike Z. car and pics. I haven't any details....