The seller isn’t sure what year this King Midget is and they don’t show any tags or numbers, but it’s a Model III so it was made sometime between 1957 and 1969. They have this late-1950s to late-60s King Midget Model III listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Ida Grove, Iowa and they’re asking $1,800. Here is the original listing, and thanks to NW Iowa Kevin for sending in this tip!
As far as small projects go, taking on a King Midget restoration would be a fun winter project for anyone who has to put away their vehicles in the snowy winter months. At under 10 feet in length and less than 4.5 feet in width, they’re small enough to work on in a single-car garage and it should be easy enough for almost anyone to do a nut-and-bolt restoration on one of these tiny cars. This one doesn’t have doors either made of wood (early) or sheet metal (later cars), unless they’re in the pile of things peeking out from behind the car in the photo above. It looks like a door panel there so hopefully they’re included.
Now that’s a rear bumper! I’m not quite sure why it’s so wide but these are things for the next owner to sort out before dropping a Hayabusa under that rear engine compartment cover/hood. I thought I’d get the “Drop a Hayabusa in it!” thing over with early on this one. The King Midget Model III was the last one to come out of the Athens, Ohio plant, where by this point, the cars went from unassembled kits sold in magazine ads to fully-finished cars. I’m hoping that the top and bows are included to at least have a pattern for your upholstery shop to make a new one.
Just after WWII, the founders of what would eventually be Midget Motors Corporation, Dale Orcutt and Caude Dry, came up with an idea to sell a small, inexpensive car in kit form in the back of magazines and it worked well. The company made money until almost the very end. In 1966, the two founders retired and a new group of owners ramped up production so much that sales couldn’t keep up with the built-up inventory and they went bankrupt in 1969. A move to Florida tragically ended in a factory fire in 1970. There’s chatter of a recent resurgence of King Midget manufacturing in New Hampshire as recently as 2022.
This 680-pound car appears to be in solid condition. What would have been a 9.2-hp Wisconsin single-cylinder engine made way for 12-hp Kohler engines, which were added in the mid-1960s. The seller has owned this car for a few years and they aren’t going to get to the restoration. How would you restore this King Midget?
A Wis. half ton truck plate and what’s the siren for? These are more of a novelty, but I’m sure some poor sap drove one to work. I don’t think anyone has Hayabusa on their mind here, if so, you need help, but it could work in a gated or subdivision setting. I suppose someone has parts for these motors, the ex-maintenance person that raided the dumpster when they closed, fun fact, Wisconsin motors, another Milwaukee company, was sold to Continental, they were sold to Teledyne, and eventually to Subaru. Their motors were indestructible, and the V4 was their best motor. Nice find if anyone is still interested.
I’m not positive but I think these were used in warehouses and factories as “fire trucks” . Could be the reason for the siren. Cool little vehicle.
Spoiling a rare classic is what some think is the way to go!
Restoration is what most true vintage enthusiasts do, thank goodness!
There actually is one with a Hayabusa. I’m currently gathering parts for my 67 to do a 750 Katana swap.
Google Rat Rod King Midget
There’s a fully restored one out in front of an ice cream parlor in the next town over. Been there for 5-6 years. I remember seeing one in a parade as a kid. Even then I didn’t think much of them. Still don’t
Can the little King midget be registered and driven legally in Massachusetts
I would assume so, just as it is done in other states! It’s a classic car!
Looks like a 67 with the yellow turn signals. Top bows would not be a problem, I have several sets of extras. Definitely keep it factory original. If you want speed get a corvette.
“King Midget Model”
Try getting that one past committee these days…
Go here for info::
https://kingmidgetcarclub.org/
great organization
KM enthusiast Jules
I’ve seen a youtube video of some guys getting one running and taking it for a drive – several hours drive. Apparently they don’t have much in the way of suspension and the driver and his passenger suffered a lot during the trip. I believe they replaced the original engine with something newer and moderately more powerful. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPHZ86e2BsE
Listing update: someone grabbed this King Midget, I hope it gets the love (and restoration) that it deserves.
Hopefully the new owners will become members of the King Midget Car Club.
The advice and help there is huge!
I had a king midget model 3 when I was in Taiwan 1971 it had been modified with a 3 speed and reverse transmission and a Chinese two stroke engine of unknown horsepower. Not a real refined engine. Could have used a lot of port and polish. I could drive half way to Taichung from CCK air base then have to let it cool down before the rest . My one regret I never took pictures of it.