MTFCA Forum

This is a prototype Cyclecar built from 1918-1925 in Hanlon, MA by a Dr. Kirk Hanson, who left virtually no information behind. The engine is a 1923 Henderson motorcycle engine. I am told the rear end is Model T. Does anyone recognize the transmission? It is a 3-speed with reverse. The input is by way of a coupling to what appears to be a 1" shaft. Does that suggest an aftermarket gearbox for the Model T? The cover has the numbers 14182 over a 3 cast into it. The right side of the case has the numbers 14181 cast into it with a curious trademark consisting of the letters H C G superimposed over each other, not necessarily in that order. I can try to post other photos if other features would help identify what the good Doctor ordered for his transmission. Jeff in Wichita.

1916-21 or so Chevy k or 490? Maybe truck too.

Similar transmission , probably in the same family of cars.

Yes, rear end is Model T.

Thank you for your posting. The ad copy, where it says the transmission is on open brackets, resembles what you see in these 2 photos. I'll be on the hunt for more views of Chevrolet transmission drawings and photos of the late teens era.

Dan, thanks for confirming the existence of the Model T rear end.

For those curious about the air cooled Henderson engine. Special bronze cast timing cover for the fan to perch on and the crank to pass through. Rear end of the engine was cut off after the clutch eliminating the gearbox and chain sprocket, closed in with another casting allowing an extension of the crankshaft to mate with the transmission. It is surmised Dr. Garland wanted to go into production but the affordability of Henry Ford's products ended the era of motorcycle engine powered cyclecars.

Back in the 30's my dad had a Heath Parasol Airplane. The original 2 cylinder french engine threw a rod over Iowa somewhere. He hobo on trains to get back to NW Indiana and headed back to Iowa with mt mom's model A. Took off the wings put the tail skid on the bumper and headed back to Indiana. He used a Henderson motorcycle for a replacement. He said it flew pretty good.

I believe the transmission was actually produced by International Harvester Company. The later versions of their "High Wheeler Buggy" used a similar style one. That Henderson engine alone is worth a small fortune to a bike collector. Last one in running condition I know of sold for $20,000.00.

Hank

I will do some research in my books, "The History of Chevrolet" had an article about shared components! You got me interested, Thank You!

Hank

Years ago I poured and bored a henderson block, the rods and crank where real close to a T's.

Nice car, thanks for sharing.

dunoon wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 22, 2020 9:02 pm

Back in the 30's my dad had a Heath Parasol Airplane. The original 2 cylinder french engine threw a rod over Iowa somewhere. He hobo on trains to get back to NW Indiana and headed back to Iowa with mt mom's model A. Took off the wings put the tail skid on the bumper and headed back to Indiana. He used a Henderson motorcycle for a replacement. He said it flew pretty good.

Great story from your dad.

The Henderson-Heath conversion added an extra deep oil pan (for hard banking LOL) and taller finned valve access plugs for additional cooling. Heath cast a logo plate for affixing the prop and made cast short exhaust headers in lieu of a muffler. I found one in Western Kansas but was too timid to make an airplane out of one.

I considered doing a Henderson ice sled, had the blueprints for one, but the lakes in Kansas don't freeze enough these days.

The Cyclecar is just fine.

Henry K. Lee wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 22, 2020 9:33 pm

I believe the transmission was actually produced by International Harvester Company. The later versions of their "High Wheeler Buggy" used a similar style one. That Henderson engine alone is worth a small fortune to a bike collector. Last one in running condition I know of sold for $20,000.00.

Hank

Thanks Hank. That could very well explain the logo. Will dig further. Photo will only load upside down, sorry.

Still researching this since now I am into it!

Will post info when found with proof but this transmission was also used in early GMC trucks with an open topped cone clutch configuration.

Cool History!

Hank

Thanks again!

That’s a neat little car Jeff. Did the original builder build any more or just the one car? Would be interested in hearing more about it. Is it a complete car? What is the track and wheelbase ? I am restoring my 13 Zip cyclecar and another old car friend is in town is restoring his ‘14 Scripps Booth.
Todd

Jeff, Thanks for sharing!

Toddman wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 29, 2020 3:35 am

That’s a neat little car Jeff. Did the original builder build any more or just the one car? Would be interested in hearing more about it. Is it a complete car? What is the track and wheelbase ? I am restoring my 13 Zip cyclecar and another old car friend is in town is restoring his ‘14 Scripps Booth.
Todd

Todd, I went back to this thread and saw your comment. I'm at Chance Rides Manufacturing, Inc. To answer your question this appears to be a one-off prototype of extremely high quality engineering. I have decided to do more of a refurbishment than originally intended and in the process have discovered numerous witness marks that were left by the original craftsmen, as if they were for intended production. They have been very handy in reassembly. This is the current view in Dick's shop.