Special Interest Cars
To classify as a special interest car it should be distinguished either by unusual body style, an engineering innovation or some other marked difference from the routine production of its day. A few of the special interest cars to be found in the PIONEER AUTO MUSEUM are shown here.
ROONEY RACER
The Mickey Rooney Racer was built especially for use in the movie “The Big Wheel.” It is powered by a motorcycle engine mounted in the rear. The car, bought in California, traveled cross country in its own tailor-made car top carrier.
1957 Thunderbird
The two-seater Thunderbird was built between 1955-1957. The one on display at the MUSEUM has an engine with 312 cubic inch displacement. The porthole top is detachable, secured by five clamps and a convertible top was optional. This car is driven regularly by John Geisler, and may be parked in front of the MUSEUM.
Kaiser Darrin Roadster DKF-16
This true roadster manufactured by Willys Motors, Inc., boasts side curtains, hidden top, plexiglass wind wings, and sold for $3,668.00. The fibreglass body features doors that slide into front fender wells and an F head Willys engine. Of the 435 assembly line cars built only 226 are known to still exist. If you miss the car in the exhibit it is probably parked in front as it is driven regularly by Betty Geisler.
Shucks Ma—“
Now I can work 40 acres a day!”
The Indian stared in amazement, dogs and kids ran for cover and great grandfather swelled with pride as he drove his new J. I. Case steam engine across the prairie.
The mechanical age had really arrived as these and many other smoke-belching behemoths rumbled across the plains of South Dakota years ago. The “dirt farmer” came into his own, turning over as many as 40 acres of virgin sod a day. He was soon to be recognized as the most important single factor in feeding a rapidly growing nation. Today’s farmer, heir to yesterday’s pioneer efforts, finds his role even more important. A hungry world constantly demanding a greater food supply leans heavily on the American farmer’s ability to produce more and more.
The giants pictured here have long since retired. But South Dakota is fortunate to have men of vision who have restored and maintained this part of our heritage to see and enjoy now and for years to come.
A Rumley Oil-Pull provides the power to drive one of the older threshing machines commonly seen in The wheat country of Central South Dakota. This steam powered behemoth provided belt drive to run the thresher.
An Aultman-Taylor kerosene powered tractor of yesteryear. Note the heavy chain behind the front wheels that provided the linkage for steering this giant. Typical of early equipment, it was all but silent until the drive train was engaged. No one was ever known to go to sleep at the switch.
Two views of the farm machinery lot at the back of the PIONEER AUTO MUSEUM. Dozens of tractors of all vintages are represented along with countless other pieces of farm equipment from days gone by.
