The March Men's Vogue recently asked if the Smart fortwo is manly enough, and while we're not exactly lining up to buy one, we also wouldn't rip a friend (too much) for picking up the fuel-sipping two-seater. If our pal's fortwo had a Windup Key, however, all bets are off, and a Charley Horse or three may be in order. The Windup Key is a 22-by-10 inch faux windup key made of powder-coated 6061 aluminum, and it can be customized with different shapes, colors or even chrome coating. If you really want to attract stamp collectors, Star Trek fans and adults with authentic Lord of the Rings costumes, opt for the 12v motor, which makes the Windup Key actually spin when the vehicle is in motion. The Windup Key is also compatible with the Scion xB, PT Cruiser, New Beetle (shown), and MINI Cooper, among other cute-mobiles, and prices start around $100. Amazingly, the Windup Key is currently on back-order, which means there is actually demand for these ridiculous little gadgets. The sad thing is that while Virginia wants to ban Truck Nuts, the testosterone-free Windup Key will likely be accepted with open arms.
[Source: Windup Key via Smartcarofamerica]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jerk Face @ Mar 28th 2008 9:38AM
Dear God..
Shipey @ Mar 28th 2008 10:10AM
People have been pasting these onto the trunks of Nash Metropolitans as long as I can remember...
not a new phenomenon.
Healeyblue @ Mar 28th 2008 10:13AM
The wind-up key was popular in the 50s when the original VW Beetle was first imported. The more things change...
Galley @ Mar 28th 2008 10:14AM
I dunno; it looks pretty flimsy. Just think of the money you will save on gas by being able to wind up the motor!
henrykrinkle @ Mar 28th 2008 10:31AM
If you have a car with push-button start you can just leave the key in your pocket.
Rick C. @ Mar 28th 2008 10:40AM
More useless crap to buy from China and further the trade imbalance.
Guenther @ Mar 28th 2008 10:50AM
Rick- actually looks like it might be made right here in the Colonies.
tio @ Mar 28th 2008 10:35AM
Thats just stupid.
not4no1 @ Mar 28th 2008 10:39AM
It won't work on my MINI Convertible because the tail gate drops down (not a hatch)
I couldn't bring my self to drill a hole in it anyway.
Benfolio @ Mar 28th 2008 11:35AM
There is some primer black rusty 80's Jap car running around Milwaukee's East Side that has had one of those keys (homemade) that turns. I've seen that car on and off for the past decade.
So yeah, not a new idea.
And not all that interesting.
Derek @ Mar 28th 2008 11:55AM
This worked on the original Beetle because the engine was in the back. The New Beetle should have the windup on the hood.
Andy @ Mar 28th 2008 11:57AM
The "PT Cruiser" demo will eat them up. There hasn't been a JC Whitney accessory that they won't buy.
Andy @ Mar 28th 2008 12:01PM
And, yes, if someone I know buys a Smart car, they deserve all the crap they're gonna get. There's a lot more sensible cars out there for the money, but if you want to drive a ladies' purse, be ready for the grief.
Kaptain75329 @ Mar 28th 2008 12:09PM
There is no limit to human stupidity.
SPG @ Mar 28th 2008 12:17PM
For all the people that make fun of small cars this could go a long way to saying "who cares what you think?".
terraFocus @ Mar 28th 2008 12:30PM
Crazy, who would pay $100 for something that should be OEM.
Guenther @ Mar 28th 2008 1:31PM
This would have been great on my '87 Sprint, but not for 10% of the purchase price of the car.
Inigo Montoya @ Mar 31st 2008 1:05PM
The guy that produces these does autocross locally, so I have to give him credit for that, and he just picked up a Beck Spyder (porsche spyder replica) so he is certainly doing something right.
Chuck @ Apr 1st 2008 5:54PM
Where do you get these wind up things?