Step into the fast lane with this legendary survivor!
This tenacious go-kart is a faithful rendition of Darrell Waltrip's #11 Buick Regal from the '81-'82 NASCAR season, clad in the unmistakable red, white and green Mountain Dew livery. Features include fiberglass bodywork with all original graphics over an unaltered Bird Automotive steel chassis. A total of three unbridled horsepower are delivered from the Tecumseh H30 engine to the left rear wheel via a centrifugal clutch and chain drive. Other notable features include a metal toggle on-off switch, yoke steering wheel, pneumatic tires with two piece split rims, and dual rear wheel mechanical brakes. This Bird Automotive go-kart was purchased by the seller in May of 2023 and is now offered at no reserve in New Oxford, Pennsylvania. This emblematic go-kart was awarded the "Raddest Accessory" award at Radwood Philadelphia in 2023.
Manufactured by Bird Automotive of Omaha, Nebraska and built by Total Performance Inc. sometime in the early '80s. The fiberglass body is finished in a durable white gel coat and features an authentic recreation of Darrell Waltrip's #11 Mountain Dew livery from the '81-'82 NASCAR season. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the accurately portrayed chrome and black front grille decal with ‘BUICK’ inscribed at the top and the ‘Regal’ script on the bottom. On either side bright and bold red #11s occupy the space where the headlights would have been. Green decals covering the fenders race down the side to the #11 emblazoned on each side, finally meeting up with the iconic vintage Mountain Dew logos used from 1980 until 1991. The hood decal shouts "Give me a Dew!" in bright yellow over a green background with the Mountain Dew Logo beneath. Green roof decals follow the livery back to a matching Mountain Dew logo on the trunk culminating in another call to “Give me a Dew!” flanked by bright red tail light decals outlined in chrome to compliment the front grille. Finally a Radwood decal inspired by Reading Rainbow adorns the rear bumper commemorating the 2023 "Raddest Accessory" car show award.
The 5” gunmetal painted two piece split rims feature pneumatic 2 ply 4.10/3.50-5 Cheng Shin tires with classic chrome valve caps. Stopping power is provided by dual rear wheel mechanical friction brakes.
The cockpit features a single seat and yoke steering wheel with foot controls for the accelerator and brakes. A single chrome toggle kill switch is affixed dead center within easy reach of the operator.
The three horsepower Tecumseh H30 engine is linked to a centrifugal clutch and sends power to the left rear wheel via a chain drive. Recent work includes an oil change, spark plug cleaning, and fresh TruFuel.
The Bird Automotive manufacturer’s labels show the model and serial numbers for both the chassis and the body.
The engine features the original decals and operating labels as well as the model number and serial number stamped into the fan shroud.
It is important to note this go-kart is almost 100% original with only the back of the seat and a few parts changed for reliable operation. The spark plug, coil, and carburetor have been replaced. All body mounting hardware has been replaced. There is a single missing plastic cap on the left brake tube. The original parts as well as some Bird Automotive documentation are also included.
The seller notes there is some wear and damage consistent with age and use. There is surface rust visible on the floorboard, frame and hardware. The fiberglass body has minor imperfections such as chips in gel coat, scuffs, scratches and spider cracks around fasteners. The livery decals have minor areas of peeling, bubbling, scuffs and scrapes. Rear tires are showing typical signs of wear from use.
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