This is a real late 1950's/early 1960's miniature surrey that used to have a fringed top. Years ago these cars were driven in parades by Shriners. My father who was a Shriner had this car made for my sister, brother and I by Starr Bros.Bell Company in East Hampton CT. It is all original and appears to be one of a kind. There are other Shriner's parade cars available, but none that I have found in this body style.
I can not begin to explain the amount of fun we had driving this great little car around our house and the adjoining field when we were young. These memories will last forever. All our friends got to learn how to drive at very young age because of this surrey not to mention checking the oil and gas in its Briggs and Stratton lawnmower engine. I think I started driving it at 6 years old. If you were alone in the car it would do 35 mph on the dirt road. It easily took up to five of my buddies on great rides as you can see from the last picture taken in 1963. I was 7.
I am heartbroken to part with it, but I am at an age when I can't fit in it anymore, and neither can my teenage daughter. She never got the chance to experience it for herself because the little old engine finally took it's last breath when she was too young to drive it, and my ex-husband never got around to helping me get it fixed. Therefore, she is not interested in keeping it and feels it will be a shame to let it sit for another 15 years.
It is still in wonderful condition. There is no more fringe on top as that rotted out in storage years ago, but the loops for the poles are still on the car. It does need a new engine, but that is minor and anyone that can fix a lawnmower can fix this surrey. Everything else is in tack. It even comes with an extra tire and tubes for the wheels. I left the old engine in it for the new owner to see how it is put together and the size of the motor it needs. It does need new cushions for the front and back seat and the side flower boxes are missing (a small detail).
This car works very well for someone who owns some land so it can be truly enjoyed.
This is not just any kid's car, but a look back into the days before plastic and batteries, and truly aconversationalpiece.