The King Midget's claim to fame was its 50 MPG and 500 lbs all for just $500. The King Midget was manufactured in Athens, Ohio from 1947 until 1970. Partners Clad Dry and Dale Orcutt designed the car based on their experience with military aircraft during World War Two. They employed aircraft construction techniques to make the car light but durable.
It was initially offered as a kit car but a completely-assembled version was also available and became the mainstay. Total production is estimated at 5,000. The Model III was introduced in 1957 and was powered by a 23 cubic inch one cylinder 10 horsepower engine capable of 50 mph, driven by a single wheel and 4-wheel hydraulic brakes. The engine was in the rear. Gearbox was originally a 2 speed manual but by 1960 a 2 speed automatic was also available.
Simple and primitive as this little mini car is, like most vehicles designed and built with a purpose, there are still plenty of these in road-worthy shape and they have a strong following all over mostly the United States. The car never really penetrated into Canada. I mean where would you put the block heater?
