Part of a Tether Car Racing Track, Used for Display, 1950-1970

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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. This is a replicated segment of a four-lane board track. Guide wheels on the model cars fit onto the metal rails mounted to the track.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Racetrack

Date Made

1950-1970

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2013.47.172

Credit

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

Material

Iron alloy
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: undefined in
Width: undefined in
Length: undefined in

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Related Content

  • McCoy "Midget Racer" Gas-Powered Racing Tether Car, 1953-1956
    Set

    Tether Cars: Big Thrills in Small Scale

    • 25 Artifacts
    Tether cars provided big racing thrills in a smaller size. These miniature gas-powered model cars were raced individually while tethered to a central pivot, or against each other on a scaled-down track. At their peak popularity in the years surrounding World War II, some 25 major manufacturers -- and hundreds of individual builders -- produced tether cars. The artifacts in this set offer a peek into this exciting hobby.