Start Date 2-7-09
There was a little Rod and Custom Show here in our home town on the weekend of 2-6-09 and we took the TigerCat (in its un-finished condition) and put it on display. The idea was to get input from the visitors and the “Automotive” side of sales. The only items we took to the show were the Cat, Engine with some driveline components, a ¼ scale model of the front section body work, a questionnaire to be completed by show goers and two workers. We also prepared a one page brochure with simple drawings of the car and a specifications list.
Within two hours of the show opening we were standing three deep with Guys and Gals asking questions and climbing all over the car. For the next two days we were unable to get out of the booth to get a hot dog and were lucky that the men’s room was just across from the booth. To say that we were surprised would be an understatement.
People came asking questions and then came back and ask more. To our pleasant surprise we got rave reviews and acceptance of design and build quality. The fact that the car is a Motorcycle did not get in the way of comments like “Great Rod Looks”, “I think I want One”, “If I were to build a new car, this is what I would do” and etc. The Car crowd seemed to think that we were on the right tract and encouraged us to “get it done”.
The number one question we were ask ”How many miles per-gallon did we project?”. We answered with our best estimate that we expected “45 to 55 MPG”, they all silently nodded their heads or said “that’s great”.
One additional surprise was how well received was the “V” Twin conversion Drive Line. On display we had a Crazy Horse 100 cid engine with the Engine to Clutch Housing Adapter, the Clutch Housing, and a Toyota 5 speed manual gear box. Many people expressed an interest in this engine driveline as a possible new build power plant. The talk about the economy and great looks of the components created quite a buzz. We were ask if the drive line would be available as parts and or assemblies and we were pleased to answer that the drive line would be available this year after the road tests were complete. See Chapter 1 about the Toyota Pick-Up truck program.
All in all we though that our first Auto Show was a real success.
Above is a Crazy Horse engine with adapter, clutch housing and 5 speed Toyota gear box.
The TigerCat is a work in progress. Even in its unfinished condition, it was a hit!
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