In the 1950s, the Larc-Douglass Company of New York began building petite quarter-midget racing cars to give youngsters dirt-track racing thrills at a smaller and more manageable scale. These were inspired by the “Offy” midget racers typically powered by Offenhauser four-cylinder engines—hence, they were dubbed “Offyettes.”

For young drivers seeking something a bit more civilized than an open-wheeled dirt-slinger, the Offyette Sportster was developed. Though retaining the same basic setup, including central steering, the Sportster wore swoopy bodywork that recalls the era’s great full-size sports cars such as the Austin-Healy 3000 and the BMW 507. This example, attractively finished in gunmetal gray with racing stripes, is powered by a rear-mounted GX120 engine. The execution is a cut above average, with wonderful details including a cast aluminum steering wheel, an adjustable windscreen, and upholstery that wraps around the cockpit. The car rides on simulated knock-off wheels wrapped in period-appropriate Carlisle “piecrust” tires.

Eye-catching and finely crafted, this Offyette Sportster will no doubt provide hours of fun for your favorite young driver.