|
RICKSHAW
George
created his version of the 1970 World’s Fair Osaka Rickshaw
Taxi for M.P.C. Model Company. Fully operational and functional,
Osaka Rickshaw is a three wheeled high powered vehicle. The hand
built chassis of rectangular tubing incorporates a swinging third
yoke for the front wheel steering apparatus. The steering tiller
is a Simitar sword that operates the power assist unit for steering.
Shock absorbers are spring loaded with adjustments to absorb the
weight distribution. The frame is a “Z” design to incorporate
spring loaded special shocks to the Chevrolet rear end. Machined
torsion bars bore and aft handle balance distribution as the car
maneuvers.
The engine is a 400 cubic inch Chevrolet with a power glide transmission
complete and a Hurst shifter. The radiator shell is designed as
a coolie hat cover while the exhaust headers are simulated Oriental
chop suey type with full funnel bells. The air cleaner is made
out of a two headed fiberglass Japanese dragon. The grille itself
simulated the face of an Oriental driver as the headlights act
as ears. The body is made completely of U.S. Steel and formed
to fit the cab compartment on the frame. The rear fenders flow
over the tires and have Oriental authentic taillights in plastic
hung with special chains. Each taillight has a revolving insert
of amber and red for stopping and turning. At the rear of the
body is the sacred Buddha watching over the vehicle as it is being
exhibited. Under the Buddha is a custom made Moon gas tank that
is spun aluminum and carries saki fuel for the high powered engine.
The interior is made of woven matt vinyl with air foam diamond
tufts jeweled inserts. The floor is rust carpeted cut pile 1”
thick. All S.W. instruments and dials are in bullet shape and
installed in the front cowl roll bar. The authentic looking top
is made of steel bows and flowered imprinted vinyl sporting impressions
n both inside and outside. Stereo music is provided for the customers
by a Muntz tape unit with six speakers.
The unique color scheme on the chassis in Tokyo purple Metalflake
trimmed in Nikko green Metalflake and outlined in Nagasaki gold.
The body and fender concepts are in Kyoto orange Metalflake and
Nikko green as an accent. The complete grille, dragon and Buddha
are basic Metalflake with mirror glass insert reflections and
hand pin stripped throughout. The Cragar wheels with a wire spoke
overlay to simulate the buggy effect sporting Goodyear racing
rear slicks with a Firestone wide oval in the front. Valued a
$15,000 (back then), this hand built Rickshaw took over 5 months
to construct. |
