This listing for a 1970s-era Heger Hustler go-kart contains a major easter egg in the background of the photos courtesy of a yellow long-hood Porsche 911. The seller says not to bother asking unless you have $25K lying around, and frankly, I’d be tempted to buy both if I were local to Multnomah County, Oregon. The Heger is listed here on craigslist for $1,000.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Andria E. for the find. Information is limited on the Heger, but after seeing the conversation sparked by the estate sale go-kart from a few days ago, I’m sure some of you will have some thoughts on this enduro / racer kart. The lone reference I can find to this track-ready example is on the website “Lost Enduros: Celebrating all those wonderful karts that ran at high speed on the long tracks.” That page notes the Heger’s lack of a rear bumper and Bystrom axle clutch.
The seller doesn’t provide much in the way of specs other than to note it comes with a “…power B motor.” The listing also curiously states that the Hustler was “…new, never really finished,” which makes me wonder if this example has very few hours on its running gear. I could see go-karts quickly becoming lightly-used pieces of garage art if purchased for a child with big dreams of being a kart racer that fizzled out after one or two dalliances on the track.
The driving position is nothing short of extreme and likely makes it fit for only the most committed of competitive karting drivers. The listing with its intriguing finds in the background could make a visit to the seller worthwhile, but I’d be prepared to buy the kart first and then talk about other vehicles on the property – sellers don’t like it when customers show up to buy the item that’s listed merely as a ruse for crawling around a vintage 911. Have you ever piloted a vintage enduro kart like this?
911 is a ’74 or later short hood.
Or “G” body
Kart chassis appears to be offset for mostly left-hand turns. Pavement circle-track racing in an old open-front lay-down would be more than I’d want to have a go at!
Although it makes sense that the kart looks like its for an oval…
The reason for the offset was in response to the engine location. This style kart is a sidewinder. During this era, it was common to shift the entire driver to allow clearance for the engine. Modern enduro karts are still sidewinders, but the driver position has changed. Now the feet are centered, but the shoulders are still offset to clear the engine.
That’s an old West Bend/Chrysler/US Marine motor. Has a long history back to the 50’s when West Bend Marine used the old Kissel plant in Hartford, Wis. Chrysler bought them out, and US Marine/Force outboards bought them out. I never knew that motor to be a performer, but variations of this motor powered everything from ground pounders, to the horribly inept Chrysler Sno Runner. It took a beating. Again, without a track nearby, or daddy makes one for you, not much place to ride these.
Agreed on the “…not much place…” Howard A.
The laydown concept was done for aerodynamic advantage only. (Read as: increased potential for top speed advantage) The sit-up karts will easily out-handle the laydowns, it has to do with weight balance and transfer.
Offset chassis circle track (mostly on dirt) karts have been popular in many areas for a long time. I can’t recall ever seeing a laydown run an oval. So this kart strikes me as an oddity. The laydown versions I have seen are symmetrical, used at “long” tracks where cars or motorcycles are the usual competitors.
Much more interested in the Vandura.
That’s right Tim, throw the cart in the back of the van and you are good to go.
…”crawling around a vintage 911″. Or crawling under one raised on wooden? blocks. Yikes. Hope the owner doesn’t get under that car as-is. One strong wrenching movement could flatten a person. The 911 does look interesting and really is the eye catching subject in the photo.
I’m thinking that the kart ad is a round about way to gin up interest in the post ’74 P-car….otherwise why photograph the kart in this manner?
As for the kart if it’s got a motor, HoA is the go to guy. I’m always amazed by his knowledge……and geomechs too!
Makes reading BF and educational experience! :)
The listing now states the Porsche is not for sale don’t ask unless you have $25k so i am guessing after numerous inquiries it is for sale for a price.
It’s Hegar, not Heger. They are a very successful generations deep karting family known for their innovation and quality products, both karting and specialized manufacturing. Full disclosure, they are close friends for whom I’ve busted knuckles and tires.
I owned two hustlers in the early 70’s. Best darn enduro I ever drove (A-Stock heavy)
These karts are reason #453 that I need to lose weight.
Harbor Freight has some nice motors you could throw on there and have a blast with.
I got 25 g laying around! Now it’s his job to convince me to put it in his pocket. So there take that and think about it! LOL
This brings back memories. In 1972 a friend and I took his new lay down kart to Wllow Springs for a first test drive. He took the Mac powered kart out for several laps and offered to let me drive it. What a blast! It was good for probably 90mph, but with your head a little over a foot off the ground it felt much faster.
It was a weekday and the track was open for testing. I think it cost five bucks to run for the day. Durring my second session the engine seemed to be making a lot more noise than usual coming out of turn 9. But the sound was from a formula ford that must have been right in my tail and flew by me on the straight. It seemed huge. A couple of laps later the same thing happened again, but the sound was much louder. This time it was a Trans Am Camaro and it scared the crap out of me! I’d had enough and called it a day.
I recall when lay downs first came on the scene at Sears Point in the early 70’s.. They were odd to look at, but on the long straight they went by you like you were standing still! The speeds those hit were ridiculous.
Saw this today, I really know nothing about karts so here you go.
https://madison.craigslist.org/cto/d/mazon-kurtis-kraft-quarter-midget/6820425148.html