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.
[Illustration: 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.]
[Illustration: 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.]
[Illustration: 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!”
[Illustration: uncaptioned]
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.
[Illustration: 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.]
[Illustration: 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.]
[Illustration: 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.]
[Illustration: no separate caption]