That’s right folks it’s Soap Box Derby Time! This great sport has been a cherished pastime for many father/son duos over the years. If you’ve been thinking about carrying on the tradition with one of your kids, you could build one yourself or you could find one with some racing history under its belt already to restore! If you go the later route, remember they can be found in barns, garages, basements, living rooms, attics and outside, but where will you find yours? If you’ve been on the hunt and just haven’t been able to find the right one, this lovely “stream-liner” can be purchased here one eBay for a BIN of $312!
This example is 80 inches long, 32 inches at the outside of the wheels, and is a fiberglass/wood construct. The owner states that this is a 1970’s home built model. The fit and trim are in good order and the paint has held up well. The interior is clean and there appears to be no rust.
If you’d like something with a bit more history and patina, John’s old number 29 can be purchased here on eBay with a BIN price of $700. His was built in the 1950’s. The owner states it was a “winner” and built to 1950’s soap-box specs. It steers good, rolls, the brakes are cable operated and it comes with a spare set of wheels.
As you can see the fit and trim are in need of some repair as well as the paint. It shouldn’t take too long to get #29 back in original order or you may just like to keep the ’50s patina and clear coat? So which of these two would you like to have? If neither suite you or your kid’s tastes, this is just part 1 of…
Cheers,
Robert
…whenever I see one of these I always think of the father-son team that was caught cheating back in the 70’s at the national soapbox championships in Ohio..(the hidden electro-magnet in the nose to give it and added boost at the start of the race)….
What’s the external structure on the hood of the car?
Rick,
It appears to be part of the steering mechanism. The white part is the wheel. The black frame is support and you can see cables one it that I think are tied to the axle.
Cheers,
Robert
I don’t think you’re supposed to “buy” a Soap Box Derby that was the original idea of someone else. The original intent, I thought, was for a father and son or father and daughter to design and build their own to compete with.
Thought about this competition when riding past the Derby Hill near Flint, MI a week ago…