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Half-scale classic cars for half-pints

U.K.-based manufacturer Pocket Classic will build you a half-scale Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, Porsche Speedster, or Jaguar E-Type, but it'll cost you.

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Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
Antuan Goodwin
2 min read
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So maybe you can't actually buy the pint-sized Volkswagen Gol concept featured last week (and with a top speed of 17 mph, who'd want to?) but what would you say to a half-scale Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, Porsche Speedster, or Jaguar E-Type?

Pocket Classics' half-scale Mercedes-Benz 300 SL would look great parked under my Christmas tree.
Pocket Classics' half-scale Mercedes-Benz 300 SL would look great parked under my Christmas tree. Pocket Classics

These tiny Pocket Classics roadsters feature working lights, turn signals, horn, and, most importantly, a 110cc gasoline engine with a three-speed automatic transmission. On models that don't come with the optional speed limiter, top speed is 46 mph. Of course, there's no word on how long it would take to reach that speed or how quickly the rear disc brakes--there are no front brakes--can haul the vehicle to a stop. Additionally, handling couldn't be too impressive with no moving suspension components.

Pocket Classics also offers electric versions of most of its vehicles, swapping out the 0.1-liter gasoline engine for an electric motor. The changes don't stop there. Disc brakes are swapped for drums, top speed drops to 14 mph, forward gears are reduced to one, and the maximum drive time is reduced to about an hour and 45 minutes.

Available models include the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, Porsche Speedster, and Jaguar E-Type mentioned earlier, with gasoline- and electric-powered variants of each. Additionally, there are tiny Willys Jeeps (gasoline only) and Bugatti Type 35s (electric only). Examples are built to order by the United Kingdom-based manufacturer. We're sure that anyone willing to pay the average price of about £9,995 (or $15,593 at current exchange rates, about what you'd pay for a loaded 2011 Mazda Mazda2) can find some way to get one of these across the pond.

Source: Pocket Classics via Auto Motto