Home-Built 1949 Flathead-Powered Midget Race Car is Full Size Fun
Midget racing began in 1933 and remains popular to this very day. Whether you fancy yourself a fan or a keen driver, you can't go wrong with this battle-tested Midget.
TQ Racer
Designated a Three Quarter (TQ) Midget, the car is the smallest racer of all the open-wheel classes. Recently sold at auction, this crusty little racer is packed with fantastic potential for its new owner. Tetanus shot not included.
Photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
Home-Built Specials
Not much bigger than a go-kart, this TQ Midget is a rare survivor from a historic racing era. Beginning in the 1930s, midget car racing was an inexpensive class for home-built specials. First described as a combination of the Wall of Death and Speedway racing on four wheels, the sport proved extremely popular — a phenomenon that continues to this day.
Popular Debut
Midget racing has been around for almost ninety years. The motorsport began in 1933, when the first races were held at the Loyola High School Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Under the regulation of the Midget Auto Racing Association (MARA), its popularity quickly grew. It became both a national and international success, with Australia and New Zealand adopting the racing class the year after its American debut.
Backyard Professional
As a easily accessible motorsport, Midget racing was ideal for backyard mechanics bitten by the speed bug. As is still the case, the original cars were powered by motorcycle engines. Closely related to Sprint cars, Midget racing is now run with highly specialized machines. The class has long been considered a stepping stone for drivers and is responsible for launching many professional racing careers.
Surplus Flathead
This TQ Midget is powered by Harley-Davidson's legendary 45 cubic-inch Flathead motor. Like all Midget racers, it uses an in-and-out direct drive gearbox. Although no records exist, the engine dates from 1949, and it is estimated that the car was built in the early 1950s. While the engine serial number was not provided, there is speculation that the motor is a surplus WLA military unit.
Liberator Series
Adding to the date mystery, this TQ Midget was listed with a surplus engine that has a blank serial number pad. Cranking out 25 horsepower with a top speed of 65 mph, the W-Series motor was a high-compression side-valve Flathead produced for ten years starting in 1942. Dubbed the 'Liberator,' the army-issued WLA is credited with Harley-Davidson's rise in popularity after the Second World War.
Vintage Parts
This home-built racer is a rolling museum of vintage parts. It rides on eight-inch wheels, with lugged rears suitable for dirt tracks. Directional input comes from an Evans Denver steering box. The suspension is front and rear transverse leaf springs, with 'hairpin' radius rods locating the axles and steering. A set of handmade 'nerf' bars are located on either end, with the letter 'K' welded onto the frontend.
Fast-Paced Action
Despite the 45's low horsepower, the power to weight ratio of the TQ Midget makes it a potent contender. For fans and drivers alike, the fast-paced action of this homegrown motorsport is really exciting. While this veteran's dueling days are over, one can only hope this little Harley-Davidson-powered car will be restored and campaigned in a vintage class. A roll bar might be a wise addition.
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