A King Midget Or Two or Three By Sam Thomas

As a boy, I was an avid reader of the various mechanics magazines, and every month I would see ads for a neat small car that could be mail ordered. It seemed so perfect for a thirteen year old, and I wanted one terribly. My parents advised me that I was fortunate to have a Cushman scooter, and when the time came for an automobile, it would be a “real” car.
In 1952 my great aunt gave me her beloved 1938 standard 4-door Chevrolet sedan. I grew to love this old car, but I vowed that someday I would own a King Midget. After college, Graudate School, and a 30+ year career, I finally acquired that King Midget. I now own three, and have learned a lot about their history. Two are restored and have achieved Grand National status in the Antique Automobile Club of America. The third is yet to be a done project.
The King Midget was built in Athens, Ohio form 1946 through 1969. The first model was a single passenger car that resembled a midget racer. It was available as a kit from 1946 to 1951. The car was powered by a six horsepower single cylinder Wisconsin engine.
The second model was available from 1951 to 1956. It was a two passenger convertible, also with a single cylinder Wisconsin engine, this time with a 9 horsepower. This time the model could be purchased either as a kit or a factory built auto.
The third and final model, built from 1957 to 1969, was also a convertible, with a single cylinder Wisconsin nine horsepower. This engine was later upgraded to a twelve horsepower Kohler. Improvements were made with the most significant being the development of an electric starter.
The founders of the King Midget Company, Claud Dry and Dale Orcutt, wanted to build a small, lightweight economy car. Although they accomplished this, they did not seem interested in becoming a large company and continued the sale of cars by mail order. One ad stated that if you were careful in the uncrating process, the box could be used as a garage.
In 1966 the company was sold. The new owners experienced insurmountable difficulties, and subsequently the company changed ownership three times. Eventually production ceased as other manufactures embraced the small car market and created a much more sophisticated product.
Although the Midget had a loyal following, admittedly its appearance never progressed beyond a plain, amateurish “homemade” look. While the car had distinctive features such as hydraulic brakes, independent suspension, and automatic transmission, there were only minimal mechanical changes and improvements, while other companies were making significant advances in their products.
In 1970 a prototype that was to be a better auto was created, but it was destroyed by fire before it could be produced. At this point the company simply folded.
It has been reported that during the last year of production (1969) only fifty cars were made. The total production of the company during its durations seems to be lost, with estimates ranging from three thousand to nine thousand for the entire run.
My first restoration began about six years ago, with a wrecked 1969. At that time parts were available from Midget Motor Supply In Waverly, Ohio. The second restoration is a 1962, and was begun about three years ago. Parts were and I think are still available from Midget Motors in Norwalk, Ohio. Many parts can be purchased from the local hardware store, and because of the crude simplicity, fenders, hoods, floor pan, etc. can be crafted by any good sheet metal shop. An important feature is that the Midget can be worked on alone. Larger restorations require more hand to lift, pull of push. Because it is so simple and basic, the King Midget is an excellent starter car for a neophyte restorer. By Sam Thomas owner of 3 King Midgets