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History Smallest displacement car engine?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by sgtlethargic, Jul 1, 2023.

  1. Let's figure out what the smallest displacement (1965 or earlier) car engine was.

    I'll start with the 1960 Falcon 144:

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2023
    VANDENPLAS likes this.
  2. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 34,399

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    crosleys were 44 cubic inches 26.5 hp
    2C4E831A-F81E-4874-B3C4-FEED881CC01E.jpeg
     
  3. noboD
    Joined: Jan 29, 2004
    Posts: 8,722

    noboD
    Member

    1910 Auto Red Bug was 3 hp, maybe 5 c.i.
     
  4. Crosley had a smaller engine:

    upload_2023-7-1_7-23-32.png
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2023
  5. Ned Ludd
    Joined: May 15, 2009
    Posts: 5,303

    Ned Ludd
    Member

    The first few Austin 7s were 42 cu. in. That was up to 45½ cu. in. by the time American Austins and Bantams etc. happened.

    Very small engines weren't that uncommon in Europe pre-'65:
    Citroën 2CV, 1948 on: 26 cu. in.
    Fiat 500, 1936-55: 35 cu.in.
    Fiat 500, 1957-75: 30½ cu. in.
    Renault 4CV, 1947-61: 45½ cu. in.
    NSU Prinz, 1958-62: 35½ cu. in.
    BMW Isetta, 1953-62: 14½ cu. in.
    BMW 600, 1957-59: 35½ cu. in.
    Messerschmitt KR175, 1953-55: 10½ cu. in.

    This is just off the top of my head. All these cars were exported to the USA in the '50s. They might have been curiosities, but they were a presence — enough so for hot rodders to discover Topolino and Bantam bodies.
     
  6. millersgarage
    Joined: Jun 23, 2009
    Posts: 2,303

    millersgarage
    Member

    My friend has a Toyota sports 800, 800cc = about 49ci
     
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  7. lostone
    Joined: Oct 13, 2013
    Posts: 3,286

    lostone
    Member
    from kansas

    Old Dave, 0- cubic inches, only about 1/2 horse power, but according to miss creedy there hung like one....
    f6321837679d3f7239b3b5d08d6eca8f.jpg
     
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  8. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 14,734

    Budget36
    Member

    The first horseless carriage?
     
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  9. 5window
    Joined: Jan 29, 2005
    Posts: 9,736

    5window
    Member

    Peel p50 2.9 cubuc inches "Capable of a top speed of 38 mph, the P50 features a 49-cc 4.5-horsepower single-cylinder two-stroke Zweirad Union engine mated to a three-speed gearbox. The Peel P50 has no reverse gear, simply a handle on the rear to enable the driver to pick up the car and maneuver it as required!"
    [​IMG]
     
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  10. rusty rocket
    Joined: Oct 30, 2011
    Posts: 5,194

    rusty rocket
    Member

    As far as vintage engines there’s the 60 horse flathead.
     
  11. J. A. Miller
    Joined: Dec 30, 2010
    Posts: 2,212

    J. A. Miller
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Central NY

  12. Dave G in Gansevoort
    Joined: Mar 28, 2019
    Posts: 3,151

    Dave G in Gansevoort
    Member
    from Upstate NY

    I think we have a winner!
     
  13. I think I know what you're asking for, if so I think you were on the right track with the Kent motor.
     
  14. Marty Strode
    Joined: Apr 28, 2011
    Posts: 9,431

    Marty Strode
    Member

    Now for the member with the smallest displacement automobile engine. Here's mine, a Fiat 500/Simca 5. According to Ned's list, 35 cubic inches. IMG_0302.JPG
     
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  15. bchctybob
    Joined: Sep 18, 2011
    Posts: 5,632

    bchctybob
    Member

    I was looking at a Lloyd on Craigslist the other day that had a 2 cylinder engine, don’t know how big but it didn’t even look like an engine.
     
  16. Rickybop
    Joined: May 23, 2008
    Posts: 10,101

    Rickybop
    Member

    Early 1900s Brush
    62ci 7hp single cylinder
     

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