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General Vehicle Comments 1 of 2 built for 1902...my kids call her..chitty...they really liked the movie chitty chitty bang bang. our family came across it in 1980. it was in a barn in new londen CT. she had been in the same family since 1902, and the owner wasnt interested in it anymore. he had a 57 t bird he needed parts for so he sold us the car cheap.the frame, spokes and body are made of wood..and all was in perfect condition, except for the paint.the body was green and the spokes were red.the engine was siezed, so i took it to a neighbor and he got it running in 3 days.the tires were rotted out so we drove it on th metal rims for a few weeks till we could afford tires.30x3.i stripped it down and painted the original blace and natural spokes.we have gotten many awards and she has been in many newspappers and magazines.since the restoration ,30 years ago, she has never broke down, and i take her out about 3 times a week for a few mile drive.we had one close call when we lost brakes down a steep hill, we jumped out and draged our feet all the way to the bottom, stopping just in time at the intersection.i have to stay away from main roads because most people dont care or watch how they drive, i have been run off the road and nearly hit a few times. i acually got pulled over by a state cop on a back road. when he came up to me i asked if i was speeding...he didnt think it was so funny. he was very young and just showing off i think. he told me to get it off the road because it was a traffic hazzard. the speed limit was 25 i was doing 20.i didnt say anything and figured i would just head home like he said. im sure i could have takin it to court, but why waste my time. i think he might have been laughed out of the barracs for pulling over a car that was 104 years old.i have had many parents tell their kids at car shows that its not a car, its a horse drawn buggy. but the kids seem to know better. the engine is under the seat, its very hard to see..but there is an axle in back and chains go from there to each rear wheel.it has no trouble taking turns, one side is made to slip so the car doesnt jump.i had to update the starting, i broke my back a few years ago and couldnt crank her anymore, so i installed an electric starter.i made certain i didnt ruin anything, but im not selling her so im not worried about if it may have lost some value. the ford museum found out we had it a few years back and wanted us to donate her to them, i declined. they offered to buy her, but nothing can replace the fun we have with her. we go to cruise nights and hot rod shows..sometimes we are out of place..but someone always comes over to admire her.i drive her around town but trailer her to farther shows. the aaa used her for a promotion, the aaa was founded in 1902. they had a car for every year they were in business up to present. we were first in line and got a medal. this was in downtown hartford CT, and we had a blast driving around the city.we are hoping to hit more shows this summer , maby going to ny and cape cod.at the end of the shows, if some people are still around her, we offer rides and let people get in so we can take their pics.we dont put ropes around her, shes open to the public. we allow touching and gettin in. we really try to get kids involved so they will apriciate the oldies.in case your wondering...the engine is under the seat |
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