Midget power

Cob Smith’s column (OBA 49) detailed the remarkable midget speedcar built by Jim McMahon utilising Triumph 3T top ends. Midgets using motorcycle-derived power units were plentiful at the time, and this one (above & below right), built by Sydney engineer Ron Ward in 1959, is a beautiful example. Raced in period by Nev Doherty, Peter Cunneen and others, ‘NSW 3’ was a well known and very successful car – in fact one of a long line of ‘NSW 3’ cars built by Ron. These photos supplied by Rob Lewis show Brian Waldock (left) who restored the car, and Don Pollock. NSW 3 now resides at Moruya with its owner Guy Fluke. Another interesting car with a very strong motorcycle connection is this midget (below), shown at Newcastle (NSW) Speedway circa 1946. It shows driver Max Grosskreutz, the former solo star who represented Australia on many occasions and enjoyed a highly successful pre-war international career, with Englishman Bill Reynolds, who raced both motorcycles and cars after emigrating to Australia. The car used two Rudge engines, one in the front and one in the rear, with all four wheels driven. Thanks to Brian Darby for the photo.