Items Similar to Dooling Mercury First Series Front Drive Tether Car 1939
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21
Dooling Mercury First Series Front Drive Tether Car 1939
$7,500
£5,769.50
€6,696.75
CA$10,576.79
A$11,847.78
CHF 6,222.88
MX$144,065.25
NOK 78,802.04
SEK 74,804.32
DKK 49,980.43
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
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
1stDibs seller since 2022
Typical response time: Several days
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Hampstead, Canada
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All1940s Tether Car Powered by Original Super Cyclone Engine
By Rexner
Located in Hampstead, QC
This original 1940 Rexner Zipper Tether Car Racer with its streamlined design is in excellent condition. It is powered by a Super Cyclone .60...
Category
Early 20th Century American Streamlined Moderne Toys
Materials
Aluminum
Addison Model 5 Butterscotch and Maroon Catalin Tube Radio, 1940
By Addison Industries, Ltd 1
Located in Hampstead, QC
In 1939, Toronto-based Addison Industries Ltd., a Canadian company, was founded focussing on the production of commercial tube radios. The Model 5 “Big Addison” series, featured her...
Category
Vintage 1940s Canadian Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Plastic
Addison Model 5 Black and Yellow Catalin Tube Radio, 1940
By Addison Industries, Ltd 1
Located in Hampstead, QC
In 1939, Toronto-based Addison Industries Ltd., a Canadian company, was founded focussing on the production of commercial tube radios. The Model 5 “Big Addison” series, featured her...
Category
Vintage 1940s Canadian Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Plastic
Addison Model 2 “Waterfall” Maroon and White Catalin Tube Radio, 1940
By Addison Industries, Ltd 1
Located in Hampstead, QC
In 1939, Toronto-based Addison Industries Ltd., a Canadian company, was founded focussing on the production of commercial tube radios. The Model 2 “Small Addison” series, featured h...
Category
Vintage 1940s Canadian Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Plastic
Mid-Century Modern Ross Littell Luar PLR 1 Lounge Chair for ICF Italy, 1960’s
By Ross Littell
Located in Hampstead, QC
Ross Littell (1924-2000) was an American textile and furniture designer who did much work for such well-known manufacturers as Knoll and Herman Miller in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He l...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Robert Sonneman Chrome Table Lamps, ca. 1960’s USA
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Hampstead, QC
Pair of Robert Sonneman mid-century modern chrome table lamps circa 1960’s made in the USA.
Robert Sonneman is an acclaimed and award-winning designer known for his commitment to mo...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Chrome
You May Also Like
Toy Hot Rod Roadster Tether Car
By All American Co.
Located in Ferndale, MI
Based on a 1930 Model A. Mfr by the all American company. This Hot Rod was made in the 1950s as part of the tether car craze. Sometimes cut up with gas engi...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
$850 Sale Price
22% Off
Large 1940s Magnesium Bodied Indianapolis style Tether Race Car
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large 1940s magnesium bodied tether race car. Speed chief.
Category
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Models and Miniatures
Materials
Aluminum, Other
Midcentury Mercedes Mb300 Sedan Windup on Stand by Prameta with Driver Keyc1958
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous articulated Mercedes MB300 sedan by Prameta. Green sedan sits mounted on a stand. Key for winding the clockwork mechanism is in the form of a chauffeur. In excellent vintage...
Category
Vintage 1950s German Modern Toys
Materials
Metal
Vintage tri-ang tin toy car, 1950s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare vintage toy locomotive from the english brand 'Tri-ang'.
The charm is in the wear and tear of this item, it makes this little truck very attract...
Category
Vintage 1950s British Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Vintage French Pedal Car, 1950s — Restored Metal Body with Rubber Tires
Located in Northport, MI
A beautifully restored midcentury French pedal car, dating from the 1950s. Featuring a streamlined silhouette reminiscent of early Grand Prix racers, ...
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
1930s Art Deco Race Car Metal Model, Highly Detailed, Collectible Decorative
Located in Milano, IT
Decorative Model Car - Art Deco Race Car - Man Cave Collectible
A highly detailed, extremely attractive model of a classic racecar, replica of the miniature-engine scale models used for "arena racing" in the 1930s, and especially at the New York World Fair of 1939.
Crafted with a metal body and wooden chassis, the not-so-little car is an ideal decorative piece for any car enthusiast, and can find its spotlight on a coffee table, bookshelf, or in your special mancave.
It has spoke wheels, functional steering and an opening bonnet that shows a faithful reproduction of the original engines fitted in yesteryears' racing models...
Category
2010s Dutch Art Deco Models and Miniatures
Materials
Stainless Steel
$1,351 Sale Price
7% Off
More Ways To Browse
Vintage Car Furniture
Vintage Metal Cars
Toy Car
Vintage Metal Toys
Cable Car
Miniature Car
Antique and Vintage Toy Cars
Model Engine
Mercury Scale
Metal Airplane
Metal Toys Cars
Aluminum Car Models
Metal Airplane Models
Ames Used Furniture
Harris Of California Furniture
Vintage Model Airplanes
Vintage Gas Can
Harris Of California