One of the interesting and unique approaches to automobile design and marketing was the King Midget. During World War II, two civil air patrol pilots—Claud Dry and Dale Orcut—met and began to conceive of an automobile which would be inexpensive and fun. In 1946 the King Midget was launched. Unlike most American automobiles, however, the King Midget was sold as a kit without an engine. Any single cylinder engine could be installed.
The original King Midget kit included the frame, axles, springs, and steering mechanism. It also included dimensioned patterns for the sheet metal which was to be fabricated by a local metalsmith. And, of course, there was an assembly book which provided the buyer with the instructions for putting the car together. The original King Midget was a single passenger car that resembled a midget racer. The kit sold for $270.
For those who didn’t want the experience of assembling their own car, King Midget was also available as a fully assembled car. The assembled car included a 6 horsepower Wisconsin engine. The car was driven by the right rear wheel only since adding a differential would have increased the cost.
King Midget was advertised primarily in magazines that appealed to the do-it-yourself mechanic. The ads tended to be small, but they produced results. Unlike other American car makers, King Midget sold directly to consumers without a network of dealerships.
In 1951, a second model was introduced: a two-passenger convertible. The new model was featured on the cover of Popular Science magazine. Like the first model, this was available as a kit or fully assembled. The King Midget Car Club describes it this way:
“This model firmly established King Midget's reputation and incredible ability to perform extraordinary feats. It could carry more than its own weight, it could pull exceptionally heavy loads, it had the agility of a mountain goat; all over arduous terrain with durability and economy for thousands of miles. It began as the 500 pound car for $500.”
The basic Model 2 King Midget did not have a speedometer or reverse. Starting it required pulling on a starter cable located on the outside behind the left seat. The available options included: automatic transmission, reverse, electric starter, shatter proof safety-glass tinted windshield, top, steel winter doors with sliding Plexiglas windows, hot air heater, speedometer, turn signals, and hand operated controls for handicapped persons.
There was also a Golf model with two golf bag racks, extra wide traction tires on the rears, and an extra quiet muffler system. The Golf model had special low gearing.
In 1955, the Custom King Midget was introduced which featured a chrome bumper and cowl parking lights. It has a two-spoke white steering wheel and bright red and bone white upholstery.
The Model 3 King Midget was brought out in 1957. Among the significant changes at this time were unit body construction with the frame and all fixed body components welded together for strength, and four wheel hydraulic brakes. The engine now had 9.2 horsepower.
Midget Motors also manufactured a motor scooter: the Super-Cycle. The Deluxe Super-Cycle had a 2.25 horsepower engine and a top speed of about 35 miles per hour. The Highway-Master, with a 6 horsepower engine, could cruise at 45 to 50 miles per hour. Both models could carry two people and featured a built-in package compartment.
In 1966, Midget Motors Corporation was bought by a group of investors. At this time, the company’s founders were reaching retirement age. The new owners increased production anticipating increased sales. When sales failed to increase, the company’s financial fortunes declined and in 1969 the company’s assets were sold to Barthman Corporation. Under the leadership of Vernon D. Eads, there was an attempt to revive the King Midget with a molded fiberglass body. The combination of a fire at the fiberglass plant which destroyed the mold and the cost of meeting new federal crash test standards spelled the end of King Midget. Production stopped in 1970. Total production in 1970 was 15 cars, of which only 3 were the new Commuter with the fiberglass body.
The King Midget Car Club summarizes the car this way:
It was billed as both "World's Number One Fun Car" and "World's Most Exciting Small Car". Many people still believe it is.
No records were kept to indicate how many King Midgets were made. There are some people today who still have hopes that there will be a King Midget 4 someday.