Vehicle Description
1959 Social History and Bumper Cars
Significant 1959 facts: Castro comes to power in Cuba. Dalai Lama
forced to flee Tibet. Barbie Doll launched. Alaska becomes 49th
State. Hawaii the 50th State. St. Lawrence Seaway completed. NASA
introduces first Astronauts. Average new house $12,400. Standard
yearly wage $5,010.00. Typical gallon of gas 25-cents. Median new
car cost $2200. Movie ticket $1.00. Common loaf of bread
20-cents.... Popular television included "Rawhide," "Bonanza" and
"The Twilight Zone." There were few fun zone essentials which
became popular history around every county, state fairs and
amusement parks. The Ferris Wheel for an example or perhaps the
iconic Merry-Go-Round however none held such enjoyable interest as
Bumper Cars. The reason, simple: people could actually operate
them! Nowadays bumper cars generally show-up in museums as
collectibles. The Stoehrer brothers were the first to patent their
bumper cars, filed December 1920, which created the Dodgem Company.
Initial cars were of course powered by electricity. Their bumper
cars were then considered "the Rolls Royce of amusement devices."
The Dodgem Company was later bought out/taken over by another
company during the 1970's.
1959 DODGEM Extremely Rare Street Legal Bumper Car VIN:
M312140109
However switching into present time, this exceptional, innovative
1959 Dodgem bumper car For Sale is titled, licensed and insured in
the State of Idaho. The only street legal Dodgem bumper car known
to exist.
Buyers alert: this is an extraordinary opportunity to be the one
person in the world to own a street legal Dodgem bumper car! While
there exist a few street legal bumper cars, this uniquely special
car is the only street legal Dodgem bumper car. With that said, if
interested in owning a street legal bumper car, you do need to
check your state requirements as to what is required for street
legal status. The bumper car has headlights, taillights, brake
lights, dual outside mirrors, horn, windshield, and maintains
highway speeds effortlessly.
A 1959 Dodgem, not only uniquely unusual, is an absolute kick to
drive. As the seller expresses, "I've owned a dozen or so classic
cars and hot rods over the years and the bumper car is probably the
most fun I've had with a street machine." As seen from photos, the
car has a narrow, short wheel base, and high gravity center. A safe
speed is 40-mph with between 35-40-mph a relaxed cruising
speed.
Nevertheless the bumper car is a huge hit in parades, for business
displays, and has won numerous awards at car shows, including Best
of Show, Sponsor's Choice, People's Choice, Mayor's Choice, Best
Special Interest, Best Engineered, and as a select "featured
vehicle" at major auto shows. The Dodgem was featured in the 2019
edition of American National Insurance Companies, and within a
highlighted collector car calendar which is included with the car
records for new owner enjoyment. Many historic collectables and
files go along with the sale as well.
Detailed specifics:
Body: 1959 DODGEM. Dodgem bumper cars were built from 1921 to 1972.
The first fiberglass versions appeared in 1959. It's believed the
car comes from Myrtle Beach Fun Zone and Promenade originally in
SC.
Paint: "Half Past Midnight" applied by Bobby Alloway's Hot Rod
Shop, Louisville TN.
Interior: Wide Tuck Leather by Steve Holcomb's Pro Auto Interiors,
Knoxville TN.
Running Gear: Kawasaki 700 KFX Quad, 697/42.5 SOHC 4 stroke, 2
cylinder - V-Twin, Shaft Driven, water cooled by electric
puller-fan.
Brakes: Front-Disc / Rear Wet.
Wheels/ Tires: ITP Moto X SS12 "Slasher" GFX Pro.
Exhaust: Stainless Steel / Tuned Pro Circuit T-4.
Gauges: Dolphin, Classic Series.
Steering Wheel: LeCarra.
Original Engineer and Builder: Bob Foshee, Knoxville TN
Be informed also: Drag chute and nitrous system are props, not
functional, and are points of constant discussion and delight at
shows. Gauges light up but aren't functional, show only. All
aspects of the vehicle are excellent to fantastic regarding
quality, including paint and chrome. The donor quad engine is a new
2008 Kawasaki with less than 500-miles on engine and drive-line.
The bumper car is driven around town weekly, spring through autumn,
mostly for the sheer joy of putting smiles on people's faces,
including the driver. As an option, a potential buyer would find it
easier within their state to register the bumper car as an ATV by
applying for a title based on the Kawasaki engine VIN as noted
herein. One-of-kind is an absolute understatement, for sure! And
YOU could proudly own it!
Add it to your collection for $25,500.00!
NOW REDUCED DOWN TO $19,900.00!
