1923 Briggs & Stratton Flyer - Very Complete with history

1923 Other Makes Briggs & Stratton Flyer N/A Description

1923 Briggs & Stratton Flyer
I have been collecting, researching and restoring these for 30+ years and this is one of the best ones I have found. It is not only amazingly complete but the metal parts are in excellent condition.
The story behind this car and these in general is that Briggs & Stratton purchased the manufacturing rights to the motor wheel and buckboard from the A.O. Smith Corp in 1919. Briggs reengineered the motor wheel to increase output and improve reliability. The motor wheels were sold initially as anattachmentto bicycles, essentially you could make your bike into a moped. But, they also manufactured and sold the buckboards so you could have the entire "car" as a package. The buckboard was simply six wood slats that doubled as body and suspension, with two bent wood seats and simple controls to handle the attached motor wheel. It was advertised as being capable of 25 mph when new but given that the brakes consist of a pedal and rods pushing the fender against the tire and that the steering is scary fast, I would not advice traveling at anywhere near the advertised top speed.
ThisparticularFlyer wasrescuedfrom a barn in New England by me. The serial number for the buckboard is still intact (a rarity) and the number is 2069. From my many years of research I wasfortunateenough to secure a copy of the original shipping records from Briggs & Stratton for the Motor Wheels and all related products. According to thoserecords, which are full of gaps, this buckboard corresponds to those shipped in June 1923. This particular number is not listed in my records so I cannot verify where it was shipped but it does fall numerically into those shipped during that month.
It is likely someone made new wood slats anddefinitelyseats for this car sometime in the past. The slats arereasonablywell done and the seats are okay but need some additional work. The metal parts are in great condition. The wheels are originals now fitted with solid rubber tires, the fenders are mostly straight and everything is largely rust free. I installed a reproduction throttle control. The only thing missing from the buckboard is the compression release control and the cables to connect everything. If I ever reproduce thecompressioncontrol, I will provide one to the buyer.
When I found this Flyer the motor was missing. I located a decent replacement, serial number D4638. This motor was shipped April 30, 1920 to Edwards & Crist Co. in New York City on a Flyer. The number of the original Flyer is not recorded. The two differences between a regular motor wheel and one that was mounted on a Flyer are Flyer wheels had a crank handle mounted to the drive wheel and they had a belt driven cooling fan. This motor has the original drive wheel with the hole for the crank handle but the handle is missing. The fan is missing. When I located this motor it was missing the fender, gas tank and some small parts, all of which I was able to get. The gas tank is a reproduction. The gas cap is a type I make that looks like the original caps but is made in stainless steel. The exhaust pipe and a few other items are still missing but most could be made by any capable shop.
The motor does not run. When I bench tested it, I didn't get a spark so the magneto is in need of a rebuild. I did remove the cylinder head to make certain the internal parts are intact and everything appears okay.
To find one that is historically correct is rare and to find one in this good condition is even rarer. I'm willing to provide technical support if the buyer wishes to restore it.
Email with any questions. I can provide more photos if required.

This car is being sold "as-is, where is" with no warranties or guarantees implied, inferred or stated.

The buyer is responsible for all taxes, transfers, shipping and related fees.

All proceeds must be in cash or bank wire transfer. I will accept Paypal for the deposit only.

A deposit of $1,000 must be paid within two days of the close of the sale via Paypal.

The car should be paid in full and removed within 14 days of the close of the sale. I will work with a buyer if this is a problem.

If the car is not removed within the agreed time limit, all monies paid on account shall be forfeited.

Any problems or questions, email me right away. I pride myself on fast response and trying to work out problems before they become unsolvable.

Bidding on this car is a legal offer to purchase. Should you win, I expect you will follow through.