Bantam Midget in Red

Surprisingly sophisticated race cars in 1:8 scale raced tethered to a pole or to a chain track in a banked wooden racetrack, reaching speeds in excess of 150 mph…Imagine a corner of the 1939 New York World’s Fair. A throng of thousands massing around a mini car-drome where race cars are being prepared for a major race. The scream of the engines fills the air. A mini NASCAR, Le Mans, Nuburgring…An American pastime; technology, cars, excitement! Spindizzies, named for the dizzying speeds they reached, were inspired by full size race cars. Handcrafted, large-scale miniatures were made by skilled owners, who often spent hundreds of hours on each car. They were true pieces of combined art and contemporary technology. Cherished by their owners, they now are coveted by collectors and car fanatics.

At nearly 50cm, length the Bantam is a commanding presence in any library, office, or reception area. Truly hand tooled, traditionally die stamped body parts, in aluminium, brass and polished mahogany wood. Lift the hood; admire the replica engine. Turn the cockpit wheel and angle the front wheels. Smell the luxurious leather of the driver’s seat. This is a touch of car history. High-tech nostalgia at its best.