Zip Grandell Special Gas-Powered Racing Tether Car, 1940-1950

01

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. This is one of about six or eight models built by Charles "Zip" Grandell. Note the front-wheel-drive differential housing, and the suspension leaf springs at rear.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Model car

Date Made

1940-1950

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2013.47.101

Credit

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

Material

Aluminum (Metal)
Leather
Rubber (Material)
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: 9 in
Width: 9.5 in
Length: 20 in