I bet you didn’t know you needed this, did you? This is the first time I’ve come across something referred to as a “Dwarf” and had it not be an insult. This is a real-deal thing, however, as the Dwarf series of competition vehicles combines a compact, Model A-style body with a 1100cc Suzuki motorcycle engine, to create a little hell raiser that would be well-suited to autocross-style events or simply ripping around your small town that will never see this coming. Find it here on eBay with an opening bid of $850 and no reserve.
While the primitive construction and somewhat cheeky design may draw a smile from the corners of your mouth, these are real-deal machines, crafted with the intention of going to race in a competitive environment. The Dwarf model, if you will, is to take a 5/8 scale version of vintage racing cars from the 1928 to 1948 period, offering drivers a vintage looking track weapon with modern safety features and running gear. While it seems like these specialized racing vehicles are still manufactured, this car was purportedly constructed in the mid-1980s, and was later modified for street use.
I’m honestly not sure what makes it suitable for use on the street, and/or how comprehensive the “retrofit” was. It still seems fairly unsafe to use, but I’m sure that makes me a wuss by some of our readers’ calculations. With the right engine and tire configuration, these machines supposedly could reach 100 miles per hour or so on straightaways, and a competition-grade suspension kept it glued to the road surface – however, by most accounts, it seems like these were used mainly in a shorter, oval track-style environment. Obviously, creature comforts are minimal.
The engine is perhaps the most intriguing component of the whole package. I’d love to know more about which bike model donated its motor. Curiously, when you dive a bit deeper into the autocross forums, the SCCA guys don’t find the Dwarf all that compelling, pointing to the Formula F500 as being faster and more rigidly constructed. It seems to me this would be a blast to use on local backroads, assuming you can get it registered without a title. Have you ever driven a Dwarf? Would it be a fun car to hustle on local roads?
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