Duro-Matic "Invader" Gas-Powered Racing Tether Car with McCoy Engine, circa 1950

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Artifact Overview

Tether cars, gas-powered model race cars, were popular in the 1930s and 1940s. They were raced individually while tethered to a central pivot, or against each other on a scaled-down board track. The Duro-Matic Products Company of Hollywood, California, produced this "Invader" model, designed by Dick McCoy. The kit was preserved complete with its shipping box, components and instruction sheet.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Model car

Date Made

circa 1950

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driven to Win: Racing in America

Object ID

2013.47.91

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Eric Zausner and the E-Z Spindizzy Foundation.

Material

Cardboard
Iron alloy
Magnesium
Paper (Fiber product)
Rubber (Material)

Dimensions

Height: 7.5 in (packaging)
Width: 12.5 in (packaging)
Length: 17.5 in (packaging)
Weight: 8 lb

Inscriptions

box: Duro-Matic Invader Prototype Racing Car Duro-Matic Products Company instruction sheet: Duro-Matic Invader . . . Duro-Matic Products Company 1039 North La Brea Ave. Hollywood 38, California