Aussie car guy Bill Buckle built 697 Darts using imported German Goggomobil chassis and trim parts.
In the 1950s, Bill Buckle contracted with Goggomobil of Germany (Bavaria) to purchase chassis and trim pieces to produce complete fiberglass econo-cars. By importing the parts and not complete running cars, Buckle was able to avoid paying high import duties. He replicated the original German sedan and coupe models, but designed his own sport model, branded Dart.
Using fiberglass and techniques from the boat building industry, he was able to produce and sell just under 700 Darts over three years. He reserved a special drivers-door-only model, built at a rate of one a year. This stunning little orange example featured here is the one he built in 1959. Greg “The Isettadude” and Kiki Hahs purchased it in Australia and restored it.
Powered by a two-cylinder 300-cc two-stroke engine mated to a four-speed transmission, the Dart holds five gallons of pre-mixed gas and gets 50 mpg cruising at 50 mph. Top speed is 60 mph. A Renault Dauphine donated the slick windshield. It was photographed for the Car Guy Chronicles by our good friend Jim Palam, http://jimpalam.com/ at Wheels & Waves Show on State St., Santa Barbara, CA.
For more information about the Goggomobil Dart, please visit
http://www.conceptcarz.com/z21361/Goggomobil-Dart.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goggomobil_Dart
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