Briggs & Stratton Flyer

A simpler car than this Briggs & Stratton Flyer does not exist. The fifth wheel at the back is driven directly by the engine.

A simpler car than this Briggs and Stratton Flyer does not exist. The fifth wheel at the back is driven directly by the engine. When starting, this wheel has to be lifted slightly off the ground by means of a lever so it can spin freely. It then has to be lowered slowly in order to drive off. The flexibility of the six ash wood chassis slats provides the suspension. The brake pads are mounted in the rear fenders. There is no protection at all against the weather, but the all round visibility is excellent. A proud owner once reported, "You can even see a snail when you drive over it." The Briggs & Stratton is an improved version of the "motor wheel" by A.O. Smith & Co. from 1919, a similar type of car. The Flyer has a 200 cc engine of about 2 hp. The top speed is about 35 km/h. It is one of the cheapest cars of all time; in 1920 it cost about 125 dollars. The production rights were sold in 1924. The new owner equipped the car with an electric motor and called it the Auto Red Bug. These cars were used mainly as transport on large estates. The Briggs & Stratton brand still exists and makes engines, mainly for lawn mowers and household appliances.