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Dooling Mercury First Series Front Drive Tether Car 1939
About the Item
This is a Dooling Mercury First Series tether car built in 1939 by the Dooling brothers, Tom, Russell and Harris. They began building racers in 1937 for their own pleasure. These early crude, buggy-type creations, powered by model airplane motors, nurtured what would become a thriving business beginning in 1939. Their first car, the one shown here, was known as the First Series Front Drive or the “Mercury Midget”. Two other cars were produced in this series. The name “Mercury” was taken from the ancient, fleet-footed Roman god - a fitting reference to the first three Dooling products. They eventually went on to make other models as the business grew. However, it is this car that had the distinction of being the first of the trio of the Mercury series cars.
The tether car era began circa 1937 in California. Hobbyists took small gas-powered engines from their model airplanes and mounted them on a board with four wheels to make a powered car. A cable or string connected to the car was then attached to the center "tether pole" and the car was push-started and began racing around the pole. As the sport grew, professional racetracks were built where full-scale competitions were held and large crowds could meet.
After professional restoration, we can confidently say that this car is in excellent condition with no scratches, chips or dents.
The car is made from sheet metal, metal rod, cast and sheet aluminum with solid rubber wheels.
Reference: “Vintage Miniature Racing Cars” by Robert Ames
DIMENSIONS:
Length: 17.5 in. (44.4 cm.)
Width: 8 in. (20.3 cm.)
Height: 6.75 in. (17.2 cm.)
- Creator:Dooling Brothers (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)
- Style:Streamlined Moderne (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1939
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Hampstead, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7242238836182
About the Seller
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1stDibs seller since 2022
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Hampstead, Canada
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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