Category Archives: Automobile photos with children
The 1929 Toy duPonts
In 1929 E. Paul duPont built a total of six toy duPont cars after having seen a Seiberling salesman’s sample (16″ x 3-1/2″) of the tires the full-sized duPont used. He could also have possibly been inspired by having seen the “Baby Bugatti” that was shown at the 1927 Milan Automobile show.
Reportedly six were built and four of them have survived. They used a 1-1/2 h.p. Briggs & Stratton engine along with a friction drive. The aluminum bodies were custom built by the Merrimac Body Company, who also built some of the full sized duPont bodies.
One was made that utilized a 4-cylinder Henderson motorcycle engine along with a three-speed transmission and it could cruise at 40 mph. It is seen below with the owner Larry Parish, standing behind it while his brother sits in it. Parish’s father who was from Evanston, Illinois, was on the board of directors of the company, which no doubt helped him end up with the neat little car. Photos courtesy of Stan Smith who has recently had his excellent book on the duPont published.
Posted in Auto photos 1921 - 1942, Automobile photos with children
Tagged duPont Automobile, Dupont Junior
Two Young Boys, Looking at a Masterpiece
Jerry Helck kindly sent us this photo of two young boys looking at the engine in Old 16, the famous Vanderbilt Cup race winning Locomobile when it was at the Ridgefield, Conn. Meet in 1969. Normally we do not show photos of older, car club activities here, but in this case are going to make an exception.
The reason we are showing you this wonderful photo, is because there is a need to set aside the time to show and educate our young friends, all about what is special in our automotive heritage. They are possibly the future of our hobby and passion.
We have been involving the children in our neighborhood into what is going in the shop and also taking them along on test rides whenever possible. Our experience has been very positive, as they really enjoy it, if you just take the time to involve them and tell all about what they are witnessing. And who knows, you may make a special little friend in the process.
I know from first hand experience, the power of involving children in old cars. As a young boy of age five, I was looking at the same view as these two were, when Jerry’s father Peter Helck, took the time to tell me the history of this car and I was also very fortunate to be given a ride in it afterward. That kind gesture of Peter Helck, along with my fathers own old cars activities, led me down the road to where I am today and, and continues on, to bring you The Old Motor daily. Think about it and work towards involving and making some young friends.
Posted in Automobile photos with children
Tagged Automobile photos with children, locomobile, Old 16
1906 Napier Pedal Car….Every Boy’s Dream
We here at The Old Motor are head over heels for this neat 1906 Napier racing car made by the Toledo Metal Wheel Co. It appears to be beautifully constructed along with being fully equipped with lamps and a bulb horn. Could you just imagine finding this little gem under the tree if you were a child in 1906? Can any of our readers tell us more about this company? Advertisement courtesy of Tom Jakeway.
Posted in Automobile photos with children
Tagged Napier, Pedal cars, Toledo Metal Wheel Co.
