Ever wondered what it might be like to pay ‘just’ $25,000 for a Porsche 917K? Or buy a go-kart for your children that meticulously replicates a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder? Then Bonhams’ upcoming auction in Miami might have just what you’re looking for. And yes, in case you are wondering, both of these incredible, fully-working machines feature a single-cylinder engine, and can be driven at speeds of up to 35 MPH.
1:2-Scale Ferrari 250 GT Features Single-Cylinder Engine
Built to truly extraordinary detail in 2014 (it pays tribute to the original 250 GT California right down to the hood louver, chrome front bumper, side vents and sculpted wheel arches), this ‘Harrington Spyder’ example is just half the size of the original Ferrari – 1:2-scale – weighs “around 220 kilograms”, or just over 485 pounds, and, at 2.56-meters long and just under one meter wide, is only slightly shorter than a Fiat 500.
This means the Spyder, finished in the period-equivalent ‘Argento Nürburgring Silver,’ sadly does not have room to fit the original’s 3.0-liter V12, and is instead powered by a 110cc air-cooled engine mounted between the front wheels. Power specifics aren’t mentioned, but it’s sufficient to get this Ferrari go-kart up to a top speed of 29 MPH. By the way, if you want to take a look at the engine is all its single-cylinder glory, there’s a hood release switch just under the steering wheel.
“The 110cc air-cooled single-cylinder gets this Ferrari go-kart up to 29 MPH.”
The mechanical upgrades don’t stop with the engine, either. The Harrington, built on a steel chassis, has also been kitted out with wire wheels, independent coil-over suspension, rack and pinion steering, and even brakes from Brembo. The red leather-adorned cabin, meanwhile, features a wooden steering wheel (how very ‘60s!), an ignition barrel, and adjustable pedals so that the seating position can “suit both younger drivers as well as adults.” If none of that describes how much care and attention has been put into this recreation, bear in-mind the horn, indicators and headlamps also work!
Mini Porsche 917K Is 8 Meters Long And Can Hit 35 MPH
If, on the other hand, you prefer your go-kart replicas to feature more of a motor-racing feel, you could instead place a bid on this 70-percent scale tribute to Porsche’s famous 917K sports car. Like the California, although considerably larger at 8.5-meters long and 5.25-meters wide (we’re well into family sedan territory at this point), this go-kart “pays faithful tribute” to its four-wheeled muse and the livery used by Richard Attwood and Hans Hermann to secure Porsche’s first – of 19, to-date – overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970.
“Worried you might be too tall to give this work of art a test drive? Fear not, the fiberglass roof section is removable!”
Also like the Ferrari, this 917K is a rolling example and “features full-size car engineering,” albeit scaled down. Again, Porsche’s 5.0-liter flat-12 has been ditched (obviously) for a 270cc single-cylinder that produces 9-horsepower. While that doesn’t sound like much, bear in mind the Porsche can hit a sprightly 35 MPH. Beneath the molded-fiberglass bodywork, the front spring suspension is mounted to a power-coated, lightweight tubular chassis. There are hydraulic disc brakes at the front, a 2-1 reduction gearbox with a wet clutch, and rack-and-pinion steering which the driver controls from a mini-bucket seat. The steering wheel is quick-release too, in a particularly neat touch.
The race-spec interior comes complete with bare aluminum pedals and a rear cooling fan, and like the Ferrari, the headlamps work too. Worried you might be too tall to give this work of art a test drive? Fear not, the fiberglass roof section is removable!
Though an official estimate on the Harrison Spyder go-kart has not been mentioned (Bonham simply mentions that the 1:2-scale Ferrari will be sold without reserve), bids for the Porsche 917K started from between $25,000 and $35,000 USD. The Bonham Auction event at the Miami International Autodrome is due to take place on 3 May. Further details on both lots can be found here and here.
Read the full article here
