eBay Find of the Day: Mammoth 1930s Hariss steam-powered split-window prototype
Hariss Steam Car prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery
Now here's just the thing to mix up with a heated-up Flattie, or better yet, a Rajo Model T powerplant, which would be perfectly authentic for the vintage. Oh sure, purists will argue that this artifact, which apparently started life as a Hariss Steam Car prototype carrying a Stanley Steamer power unit, should be returned to its original state. Good luck figuring out exactly what that was.
With a deft enough touch, you could pay homage to the 1930s craftsmanship in this vehicle without ruining it. Either way, if you're determined enough to buy this obviously Stout Scarab-inspired vehicle (it currently has one bid at $8,500) it will be yours to do whatever you choose, critics be damned. Going all Travels With Charley with this split-window behemoth, especially towing a homebuilt teardrop trailer, would be a fantastic summer diversion, and if you did go all external-combustion-engine on it, you'd always have a fire to sit around at night.
Gallery: Hariss Steamer
[Source: eBay Motors]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Assass1n 11:47AM (7/02/2009)
Well... I WAS gonna have some lunch. Even for the 30's, that thing is ugly.
Reply
jv2k 2:23PM (7/02/2009)
I think it looks kinda cool, but then again I'm a sucker for products produced in those days.
Everything looked so much better in art deco, they need to bring it back.
artandcolour 11:55AM (7/02/2009)
i think it's a beautiful example of the aero-look that was gaining popularity in the 1930s, made famous by the Czech engineer, Hans Ledwinka, the man behind the Tatra car company. i wonder if there are any contemporary photos of it from the '30s? they would go a long way in helping the restoration.
Reply
Protzenegger 12:00PM (7/02/2009)
This thing will still be monstrously ugly after restoration.
dukeisduke 12:06PM (7/02/2009)
It will be interesting to see this thing post-restoration. To call it "cobbled up" would be an insult to the term "cobbled up".
Reply
dukeisduke 12:08PM (7/02/2009)
The headlights look like they're from a mid to late '30s Ford, and I'll bet they don't work worth a flip, since they're designed to be mounted at an angle, not vertically.
Reply
BigTeebo 12:22PM (7/02/2009)
I like the design. It looks ahead of its time. Reminds me a bit of that APC in Aliens. Just needs a folding gun on the back.
Reply
Protzenegger 12:35PM (7/02/2009)
Of all the comparisons you could have made...?
BigEd 12:31PM (7/02/2009)
Calling this thing hideous would be complimentary
Reply