GO-KARTS: One of America’s Favorite Little Garage Creations
February 23, 2023
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by Nicole Ellan James
Automobilia Director Rory Brinkman with winning bidder and 9-year-old go-kart builder.
Like many of our favorite things in automotive culture, go-karts originated in the 1950s in Southern California. They were the brainchild of Art Ingels, who worked as a fabricator for Kurtis Kraft, which was responsible for building several winning Indy 500 cars, plus a host of successful midget cars – small cars with a huge power-to-weight ratio commonly used on dirt oval tracks – and Bonneville speed record cars.
1964 Go-Kart Brand 2400 Racing Kart
Ingels crafted a steel-tube chassis in his garage in Echo Park during the summer of 1956. The chassis was low to the ground, lightweight yet strong enough to support the weight of an adult passenger and featured a wide track for stability. Ingels’ friend, Lou Borelli, then mounted a 2.5-horsepower lawnmower engine to the contraption.
After working out the kinks, the pair took their racing machine to the pits at Pomona Raceway. It received lots of attention, and soon onlookers began to create their own go-karts. Interest began to snowball and homebuilt go-karts led to the very first kart races in 1957, often at supermarket parking lots, which were a good source of flat, open pavement.
Soon go-kart manufacturing companies began to pop up everywhere to meet this newfound demand and cater to those with interest who didn’t have the technical know-how to build their own. This led to the formation of the American Kart Manufacturer’s Association in 1958 to govern the quality and to work alongside the Go Kart Club of America, or GKCA.
Vintage U.S. Air Force Jet go-kart that sold for $28,175 at the Northeast Auction in 2018.
Go-karts and go-kart racing have evolved significantly since the early days. Today go-karts can be raced at amusement parks and dedicated facilities, but they also provide a fast track into a racing career for many young women and men looking to become professional drivers. Many different generations and styles can be seen at Barrett-Jackson’s Automobilia Auctions.
One of the earliest go-karts to cross the Barrett-Jackson block was a 1964 Go-Kart Brand 2400 Racing Kart at the recent 2023 Scottsdale Auction. It was joined by Lot #9586.4, the “Ultimate Custom Pickup Go-Kart,” restored with incredible attention to detail by none other than a 9-year-old boy and a stark contrast to an early-model go-kart. Featuring a fully refinished chassis and a body modeled after a RAM truck with PPG two-tone paint, the custom kart is powered by a Tecumseh 6-horsepower engine. The interior has a double-diamond-stitched seat done by Bell Auto Upholstery and a black Bentley carpet. This incredible miniature machine sold for $17,250.
1/2-scale Ford GT40 mid-engine go-kart that sold for $53,760 at the 2011 Scottsdale Auction.
Go-karts aren’t limited to just bare-tube chassis and trucks, though. Other interesting examples to cross the Barrett-Jackson block include an expertly handcrafted 1/2-scale Ford GT40 mid-engine go-kart that sold for $53,760 at the 2011 Scottsdale Auction and a vintage U.S. Air Force Jet go-kart designed for use at parades, air shows, recruiting and promotions that sold for $28,175 at the Northeast Auction in 2018.
Go-karts provide adrenaline-pumping fun for all ages and play a significant role in the development of professional drivers today. With so many different styles, there is something for everyone at Barrett-Jackson. Join us in Palm Beach for your chance to take home one of America’s favorite little garage creations.