Would you believe this thing is street legal?! That’s what the seller of this King Midget micro car says, although he does mention that they’re not very fast. King Midget first began producing micro cars in 1946, with the early models sold only as kits to put together yourself, but soon after the company also added assembled cars to their lineup. By the time the company went out of business in 1970, all of their cars were already assembled, with DIY no longer an option. If you’ve been looking for an unusual project that nobody else in your neighborhood likely has, this 1962 King Midget might be right up your alley. It’s located in Niles, Ohio, and can be seen here on eBay with an opening bid of $3,500, which so far has yet to be placed.
We don’t get a lot of information about the car’s past ownership, other than the seller saying it’s a barn find. However, he does provide a walkaround video that shows a pretty good view of most of the car, which appears to be in decent shape overall. The body looks straight and there’s no obvious evidence the car has ever been involved in an accident, which seems like would be a really bad thing to happen considering its size. The doors do open and close, and the only things the seller knows for sure it’s missing are the window wiper arm and battery. It also comes with a new top, which the seller says he was told goes with the car.
If my research proves correct, I believe this car is the Model 3, which was first introduced in 1957. This version was powered by a 9.2 horsepower air-cooled single-cylinder Wisconsin engine, with a belt and chain drive assembly attached. Unfortunately, the motor is not presently running, although there is also a second video that shows the owner turning it over, so at least we know it’s not stuck. The thing sure sounds like it wants to start, but there is apparently no spark, and it’s really an unknown as to what it will take to get things moving again.
The first King Midgets were single-passenger cars, but apparently, the Model 3 has room enough for two, although it does look like 2 bodies would be kind of cramped in there. I can’t really tell if that’s just a little surface rust on the floorboard or if it’s a bit more serious, but other than this it looks reasonably solid inside. For a novelty, it seems like a fun little car, and there’s even a King Midget Car Club which is open to both owners and those with just a casual interest in these unusual microcars! What are your thoughts on this 1962 King Midget?
Had one run around the small town I grew up in. Local pharmacy used it for delivery and occasionally their daughter used it to get to highschool. Speed limit throughout town was 25 down Main St and other roads in town 35 so it was usable in town. Was a white one too.
I drove a brand new one in 1967 when I was only 17 years old made it out to major highways in New Jersey without any fear.. I think we got it up to 35 mph downhill
Kohler engine vibrated the fillings out of your teeth though❗
Wow, good experience Robert!
I saw one that was modified with Toyota motor mounts…..surely it must have helped with that vibration issue!
All the best!
So that’s where the cybertruck got its fenders
Clowns not included.
Hey David… I remember the circus Clown Cars in the 1950’s…they were 1947 Crosley, 2 door sedans mainly.
What a hoot to see so many people exiting, one by one!
Have not been to the circus in 60 years, have no idea what make & model the Clown Cars are now….maybe a Fiat 500?
All the best!
A good candidate for a big shaft drive motorcycle drivetrain transplant–
HiYO SILVER!!!
Ya, go ahead and wreck a nice factory car. Wanna go fast, get a Corvette.
Right Glenn, These are classic cars of historical value….actually a piece of Americana with very low production numbers!
Cue the concern trolls, saaaaafety monitors, scolds, killjoys and hand wringers in 3, 2, 1…..
uggggglllllly !! safety hazard too. Only place I would drive this would be on my acreage which is outside of town and is fenced
….and to think that back in the day…there were wonderful testimonials of people actually driving this King Midgets on long coast to coast trips, I’m recalling one couple driving to Alaska…on a few bucks worth of gasoline….another using her King Midget to deliver rural mail, box to box…America has changed! Hoping you continue to enjoy your acreage!
All the best, Old Ranger!
Y’mean like overpowered motorcycles with half the wheels and no body-protection?
Well, okay, fenders can be considered a body part …
@Psychofish2…. Damn if you wasn’t on time with that one,according to the comment list I see😎
These are the same people who never drank from a stream, rode a toboggan sled hooked behind a truck, very often sat in dad’s truck bed with your buddy while dad and his buddy shot the bs and cruised the dirt roads,had BB gun battles,rode go carts and mini bikes, and learned to drive a manual trans, 4×4 power wagon by the time they were 7! I wouldn’t trade my youth for any amount of cash…
Always have been fascinated by King Midget ! Being from Ohio (the factory was in Athens, OH) I remember quite a few of them around the Toledo area in the 1950’s.
The last new one for sale was in Ft Myers, Fl. in 1970 or 71. The dealer had it set up with a double golf bag rack and it sported extra wide tires. Price, as I recall was bout a thousand dollars. This past year, I attended a King Midget Jamboree in Bowling Green and got to see dozens upon dozens of these remarkable cars in all stages of restoration and modification. The membership of the KM Club is such a fun bunch! If anyone is interested to learn more, you may contact:
Lee Seats (President of KM Club)
620 Riverview Dr.
Bristol, TN 37620
email- Seats62 @ gmail.com
phone-423-383-9278
This was my dream to own a King Midget in 1952 ( I was 10 ) and it was better than the “rig” ( goKart ) that I had … I ended up buying a ’48 Crosley in 1955 and ran it all over the country side I lived in ( yes I was 13, but we only had a policeman on the weekends. I was careful, and my parents kept me on a loose leash). I started building the ’47 Chev Fastback streetrod in 56, and finished it in ’58 with a 3/4 Jimmy and floorshift ( it’s on my Facebook page) so I had a hotrod registered and ready to drive to school, on the first day I got my license at 16.
I identify with you Dave, I was twelve in 1952 and already a car nut! First car a 49 Ford, six cyl. My Dad and I totally customized it with real lead…souped the engine and it would leave most flathead V-8’s in the dust before reaching 2nd gear! Those were the days!
It’s been an interesting journey for me, having owned and enjoyed Citroens, MG’s, Panhards, Opels, Hillmans, Anglias, Austins, Volvos plus a couple dozen from the Big Three. My latest sporting venture was a Crossfire, sadly arthritis finally disallowed entry! LOL
All the best to you Dave.
Sounds like my 13 to 16 years. Crosley to ’32 street rod to ’33 pickup etc.Guess a lot of kids grew up like us, and had fun doing it.
Doesn’t run? Go down to Harbor Freight and pick up an 18hp engine for $300 and your good to go…faster…
That would do it JagManBill…at the last King Midget Jamboree, I did see at least two that were converted to 2 cylinder engines…a bit tricky upon acceleration as the chain drive supplies power to only one rear wheel. The factory did this to avoid having to develop a differential rear end!
If I remember correctly, weren’t these mechanical brakes on the rear only as well? You probably wouldn’t want to go much faster than 25-30 mph…
$3,500? I would not give 35 bucks for his thing.
Understood John, Collector cars aren’t for everyone!
Prices are hard to believe these days. I remember when the first King Midgets were offered in the 1950’s!
Shipped in a wooden crate, from Athens, Ohio….priced at $500. FOB
All the best!
Right after WW2 America was hungry for cars. GI’s coming home, and no car production 1942-1946. Both Crosley and King midget sold well until the “big 3” ramped up production. The KM single seat car looked somewhat like a racecar. Imagine a bunch of them roaring around an 1/8th mile dirt track. Every kids dream,
“The body looks straight…”
That’s an understatement!
Actually from the many ones I’ve seen, this one does appear to be in good shape. They were simple to build and simple to repair. However, I would love to see the undercarriage….some were totally rusted out after decades of neglect.
All the best, Other Chris
It ended with no bids.
any way to get ahold of the guy who owns it ??? I did see it until the bidding was over , not that I would have gave him that much for it anyway. I was born / raised in Ohio and lived in Athens for years and attended many K.M rallys , was always kinda interested in the cars ??
2dor sedan, wagon’n p/u too, no?
Chrisful….no no & no ! (2 dr sedan, wagon & pick ups)
However, Crosley did make them….not King Midget!
King Midget did start by building motor scooters.
All the best…..
Some one mentioned Anglias. I owned one and drove it all over the place, until one rainy day a semi passed me and blew me off the hwy.. Did a fantastic fishtail to straighten it out and get back on the pavement. Took it home put a 4sale sign on it sold it two weeks later. These King Midget cars are not safe on any road with a speed limit of more than 25-30 MPH. In town driving they might be ok. But Keep off higher speed hwys..
You so right George…todays roads and acceleration potential of other cars in traffic allow for no slow poke vehicles such as a King Midget. These basically are now show cars with fun loving enthusiasts who drive in parades and cavalcades! A greater bunch of car nuts I’ve never met! If you get a chance, try to attend one of their King Midget Jamborees! Last year they met in Bowling Green, this Summer the Jamboree was in Wichita!
All the best!
Can you imagine being hit by anything bigger than a kiddy car? Scary!
Well John, they were created for a different time…a time before super highways and 400 horsepower cars in traffic not willing to put up with slowpoke cars like a King Midget or a Crosley in their way.
In my town, there were still dairies delivering milk with horse drawn wagons in the 1950’s. People were more tolerant on the streets. We did not seem to have road-rage and boiling tempers back then. The passage of time has managed to change everything. I saw a Rivian E-truck yesterday that could not wait for me to accelerate in my Ford Fiesta…nearly blew me off the road. Guess he was in a hurry to get to the next stop light! LOL
All the best!
in the 1950s I admired the king midget featured in my Popular Mechanics magazine every. Month. Being 10 years old with no income I knew it was just a dream,but I did wish for one of these terrific looking vehicles. I do remember that they were assembly needed cars but they looked like a fun car to own!
Odd that I remember this at four years of age, but there was a an older, handicapped gentleman (I was told anyway!) that used to come down my street every once in a while! His name was Jack and when we’d see or hear him coming we’d all run up and start waving and yelling his name!! My wife says I don’t remember a thing, but 60 years later I still remember Jack and his King Midget!!!
good memory from good days Raider Ric
all the best
Midget Motors offered their car with handicap controls, hand operated brakes and throttle. Very innovative for the time.
Thanks Glenn, I didn’t know that. Years ago I saw some very tiny cars with one cylinder engines so equipped on a trip behind the Iron Curtain. Apparently they were supplied for crippled soldiers!
All the best!
I own an MG Midget and have a real love for tiny cars like this. Crosley, Bantam, Austin all are sweet rides in my mind. The KM clan is very supportive. This or a Crosley are cars that I would love to own one day.
Me too Kelly, at 6’4″ surprisingly I have always loved small cars….and owned quite a few… my fav was a Citroen 2 cv, ended up driving it for 80, 000 miles.
all the best Kelly…hoping your dream of a Crosley or KM comes true!