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Bumper cars were crazy fun when I was a kid. Even as an adult today, they still look immensely entertaining and I'd probably be on one every weekend if only everyone else lined up to ride them weren't in grade school. Instead of drawing power from the floor or ceiling like regular flat rides, these bumper cars seen around the San Diego area not only run independently - you can drive them down public roads.
That's right, these bumper cars, which have been reconfigured to run on four wheels, are completely street legal. Even if they're not, though, I doubt cops will pull you over for a ticket - they'll probably ask to try it for a spin around the block, instead.
Created by California-based builder Tom Wright, the original set of modified bumper cars came from the Long Beach Pike amusement park's discards. Instead of watching them join the trash heap, he took out the Harley motors, replaced it with 750cc Honda and Kawasaki boxes, and redesigned them to pass city driving standards. His fleet now consists of eight crazy-looking street bumper cars (culled from different amusement parks), all licensed to give your hottest ride a run for its money.
A couple of the cars can reportedly go up to 160mph, which seems awfully scary for a car with such a short wheelbase. There's no word on whether he's selling any of these rides, but I doubt he'll have a hard time moving at least a couple hundred of them. Seriously, who wouldn't want to cruise down the streets on a real bumper car?
Update: We found some more pics for you on MR38's Flickr Page
Another Update (01/30/2010) : Check out some more info here at Little Guy Street Rods.
[via Jalopy Journal, Jalopnik]
168 Comments
Can i purchase on of the cars you build. If so how much?
Do you sell your street legal bumper cars on the East Coast? If so, what is the approximate cost? They are FANTASTIC!
Where do i place my order ?
Did you get a reply I’m like you I wanna buy one too
To John Stephenson. Did you ever receive any info about these cars?
I’m from British Columbia, Canada & would like information on how to purchase one of these cars, very much so.
Hi Tom:
Give me availability and cost info. please
I would be interested in purchasing one of these. Are they on the open market for sale?
How much? and can you put a convertable top or removable top on them for winter?
I like the rest of the individuals that have responded to your bumper cars would like to know if you sell them or if you may have kits or prints on how to build one.
Cool American Icon Bumper cars saved from destruction. Thank You Tom Wright
i live in carlsbad and would like a lot more information about your cars. i’m a fan and am interested in getting one !!! please reply asap… thankyou
Please let me know if there are any for sale and what the cost would be. aloha
LOVE these Street legal Bumper Cars!!!! What a fantastic way to keep these fantastic amuzement rides alive!
Are they available and hoe much?
Thanks.
Dan
Where can I get one used to build my self? I’m handicaped and lost my leg so I need to get around to my Dr appt’s. I’ve been looking for some way to get around town to go fishing an such. Thanks for listnig… Kevin
God bless
I have 14 bumper cars that i would either convert into street legal one’s like Tom Wrights, or sell as is and let someone else deal with the conversion.
I wonder if there is a way to get in touch with Tom Wright, to find out what it would cost
to build these cars, and if there are kits one can buy.
Thanks
Bill C
Bill, did you ever find out anything about these Bumper Cars?
Thanks, Guy
what are the 14 cars that you have and general condition. Could be interested on a couple of them for a personal work project. If pics & price & location are available please send info as well direct contact info.
thanks for your time
like i mentioned in my comment, i have 14 dodge em bumper cars for sale at $2000 each, or best offer. They are located in Dixville Notch NH. You can buy as many as you like. Would like to sell them all at one time if the price is right.
Sorry it has taken so long for me to get back to you
Regards
Bill Caggiula (cell- 727-409-2455)
Do you have a website?
other than contact by cell phone is there another way to communicate? also, do you have pix?
thanks
in reference to previous comment, i also have an extensive machine shop where we can make just about anything.
Again, thanks Bill
I’d like info on how to buy. Thanks.
Where do I get more information, availability, price. These are the coolest “rides” I need one
I see many questions to you about buying one of these cars and I do not know if you replied to those questions, but would you just build a chassis for me that I could mount a bumper car to? And if so how much would an assembled chassis cost?
Thanks. CHARLIE
Would you please add my name to the list of those inquiring about pricing?
thanks -and great jobs on those bumper cars!
I am also interested in a street legal bumper car! These are awesome! I will be going to South Cali this winter and I will be making a trip to San Diego to check him out. I will post what I find. Anybody else get any info? From Hans
Count me in, can I get one in all matte black? Please let me know
I am really interested in getting one of these. How do I get more information on them or in touch with Tom, to find out details.
OMG – I want one – I do I do !
Baby Boomers should be the ONLY people
allowed to own one – our appreciation
level is higher than everyone else’s (lol)
WoW! WoW! WoW! I love your idea
Can you please forward me more details of pricing and availability…
Regards
Karen
I was in San Marcos California and stopped in a shop, with my Dad, that had these or similar…about 9 years ago. He passed away a couple of years ago and was the Manager of the Navistar store down the street. Dion International. Was this you? Curious and just remember just how cool they were. The gentleman was the owner and builder and took time out of his day to show us around. I was impressed!
I like these, fantasic idea. Can you tell how much they cost.
I am interested in purchasing one of the bumper cars please send me the price and any info. You have.
Would you sell one of the cars??????? Would like very much to own one
I really love these cars? I also, want to know where I can buy one and how much they cost. I hope you will reply to let me know.
Thanks So Much.
I’m really interesting to own one of this car if it’s possible
Please, i’m waiting to ur answer
Haha having searched to maybe buy one of these fancy bumper cars one discovers related oddities like these:-) Funny to see how China exploits ANYTHING and tries to use the fame and sell crap they want to relate to ..One wonders does Mr. Tom Wright know he has his Brand selling in China on a VERY reputable website. Just go figure
http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/tom-wright-bumper-cars-for-sale.html
Really interested, however would really like to see pix of the cars.
Thanks
I would like to know how much cost me. I want buying one. I am interested in that sicko Bumper car
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