I had the pleasure of checking out this 1922 Dixie Flyer made by Kentucky Manufacturing. This is one of only around 7,000 made and is only one of FOUR Fireflies known to exist... this truly is a rare find and an incredible piece of Kentucky history.

It made a journey from Australia (where the previous owner found and restored it) and is here now for the Antique Automobile Club of America Diamond Jubilee.

This car was truly something to see -- naturally, I dropped off a detailing biz card while I was on the site (I do some work for the new owners - Kentucky Manufacturing / Kentucky Trailer).

Enjoy.


























Wiki Link

This car was RHD and was manufactured for sale in Australia. It has now returned home...to where it was originally manufactured.

This car, along with other classic/antique cars, can be seen at the AACA's 75th Jubilee occurring this weekend at the Kentucky Expo Center located at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds. For more info, visit: http://www.aaca75.org/

 

Never heard of a Dixie Flyer Firefly before, but I really enjoyed the pictures and learning about it.

Thanks very much for a great history lesson!

Any idea what that metal contraption on the steering wheel is? Maybe some sort of lock so you can 'set it and forget it' on a long straight road?

 

very nice

 

Spark advance.
Did you see the horn mounted above the engine?

 

Might be a manual spark advance for the flathead 4.

Interesting find here, appears to be the same car, even has some clown named Rockpick chiming in:

http://forums.aaca.org/f190/dixie-fl...252653-27.html

 

Thanks, Tumba & Serotta. That must be it.


I think one of those ***** on the dash must be to operate the choke.

 

You are wise beyond your spandex.... ur, years.

 

Beautiful car with a wonderful dedication to restoration, shame on me for letting not-so-witty banter distract us.

-I'm still averaging over 100 cycling miles per week, but spandex on an old man is getting more ridiculous every day.-

 

The car is now officially owned by the original manufacturer - Kentucky Manufacturing (dba: Kentucky Trailer) - so I'm told. It'll be used for marketing purposes along with an original 'wagon' made in the late 1800's by the same company. It'll be on display at the AACA Museum soon while a suitable showcase is developed for the vehicle(s) at the Kentucky Trailer Logistics Drive manufacturing facility.

Truly awesome to see such a neat piece of Kentucky history make its way home... all the way from the other side of the pond nearly 90 years ago! Congrats, Kentucky Trailer on your find and purchase!!

 

Great pics RP. Looks like the fan belt was loose. But all in all, That's a great looking Ride. Wish it was in my garage.

 

Here is another cool car. It was built in Arkansas. I only have prints of it in 35mm. But I thought someone would be interested in it.
There's a great auto museum at Petit Jean State Park. I didn't even know a car was ever produced in Arkansas until I went to an R/C flyin there several years ago.

http://images.search.yahoo.com/image...sigb=13eijbjni

 

Neat looking car, Tumba. I'm told that there were literally hundreds of these 'small scale' automotive builders back during this time -- then some of the big boys emerged; this squashed all of the small guys.

Very neat history to learn about these local makers and their products...

 

Awesome car!

 

want to know the sad part?


that thing is probably faster than all the 4.2Ls

 

The former owner thought that it'd probably run about 55 mph... of course, I'm not sure that a human would want to be in it going that fast.