Anyone familiar with the 3-wheeler?

[Mo_Gearhead]

You aren't REALLY OLD unless THIS was your first mode of transportation.



I purchased this at an estate sale on Saturday. I have owned several antique/vintage pedal cars in the past but had never encountered this particular model.



Quite an interesting trike. Single tire in back, dual in front. Steering is via feet on front axle (push left/right). Propulsion is via a dual hand lever (pumping the handle forward and back turns the rear pulley, which then turns the back pulley by means of a belt drive. Must have given the kid a workout on those arms!
(Is this how Schwarzenegger started?)



All original paint/patina (even the rubber drive belt looks to be original). Solid rubber tires. Seat is painted with logo: "Michiana Flyer"

Haven't started to research it yet. Anyone seen one? Any info? Year/age??? Thanks.

[notfarnow]

Wow, looks like fun. So many ways to lose a finger! You'd never be able to sell something like that nowadays!

[trekkor]

Any idea how old it might be? 40's or 50's?


KT

[URY914]

Reverse big wheel.

[stevepaa]

I rode one like that in the 50's. Did not look as sturdy as this one.

[Mo_Gearhead]

QUOTE: "Did not look as sturdy as this one."
_________________

Indeed. It certainly pre-dates the stamped metal and much later
'all-plastic-all-the-time' eras.

The thing is built like a bridge! All solid steel with riveted joints.

A real 'lowrider' too. The pictures make it look taller than it is. The bottom of the frame rail is only 2 3/4" off the ground and the seat is at 11" (note the 15" from floor electrical outlet, behind). Very low center of gravity.

I can only imagine a kid getting this thing going FAST, DOWN a steep hill ...if he leaned forward at all, that rapidly oscillating handle would likely beat him in the face like a boxer pounding a speed bag!

[Gogar]

That thing is really neat. I'd maybe even take it over this thing:

[competentone]

http://ebay.auction.co.kr/detail.html?itemNo=190209413165&FeedBackPercent=99.9

[Mo_Gearhead]

Hey, thanks for that eBay link!

Ad was apparently from 1948, interesting. That kinda' dates it for me.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

That is very cool. I love older stuff like that - back when stuff was built to last more than three weeks.

[VINMAN]

Very cool!! Looks like it wouldnt be to hard to duplicate.

Imagine handing that to a kid nowadays? "Hey I cant ride this, Its not electric!"

[trabiman]

I am familiar with this bike... My grandpa worked at the factory that made them! Have you managed to restore the bike? I would love to see some pictures and hear about it.