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Rolls Royce Of Pedal Cars A Local Achievement

Photo: Bruce Spunner Is Pictured With 2 Pedal Cars - A 1934 Riley Mph And A 1928 Studebaker C Cab

A couple of years ago, Bruce Spunner’s grandson wanted a pedal car but Bruce could not find one that was as good as the Cyclops models that Bruce remembered with a touch of nostalgia.

By Latrobe City - 12th November 2003 - Back to News

So, in true Bruce Spunner style, he made one - a scale model 1927 Bugatti with number 1 stamped on the chassis. A year later, Bruce made another car, this time a 1932 MG, for his second grandson, with number 2 stamped on the chassis.

So began Moe Pedal Cars or rather, a quiet obsession for Bruce, who is a well-known car buff with a keen eye for bargains at swap meets.

Bruce believes that in life, you can get into something if you really want to. "As long as your capabilities can match up with your imagination, you can do anything."

Leo Billington, Latrobe City Investment Manager, said that it was generally agreed that Bruce’s capabilities are more than equal to his imagination and ingenuity.

"His scale model pedal cars are renowned for their detail right down to leather upholstery, headlights, bronzed bushed pedal swings and rose-jointed steering which is self-centred with castor and camber on the kingpins," Mr Billington said.

"Bruce made a 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom 2 scale model pedal car which was sold to a private collector in Melbourne who now has it displayed in a glass cabinet. But to accentuate Bruce’s personal quest for detail, the radiator badge even had the RR in its traditional red colouring below the silver lady, sitting atop the radiator cap," Mr Billington explained.

Explaining his methods, Bruce said that he first obtains a drawing or photograph of a car and then scales the vehicle to the wheels that he is able to obtain for the final product.

"I then complete some drawings and generally start with the body shell made from sheet metal. I make everything, except the perspex, wheels and the old push bike lights," Mr Spunner explained.

"I thrive on the challenge of adding detail. The lights are those made years ago by Lucas or Millers and powered by a 6 volt torch battery. Radiator adornments are made first from clay and then cast in aluminium. Leather interior map pouches can be found in the doors, chrome frames are custom shaped to windscreen profiles and naturally, I do all the signwriting and pin striping," Mr Spunner added.

According to Mr Billington, the six to eight weeks spent creating each car is well spent, as the results are quite stunning.

"The model range includes a 1932 MG M-type, a 1929 Lea Francis Hyper Sports Car, a 1934 Riley MPH resplendent with its leather upholstery and a 1928 Studebaker C-cab delivery van. Bruce’s current project is recreating the fine lines of an English 1925 Alvis, so detailed it will have universal joints to imitate the real vehicle’s standard front wheel drive which will actually be back wheel drive as a pedal car.

"It is gratifying to know that this level of skill, craftsmanship and expertise is found here in Latrobe City and that Bruce has sold his wares to collectors across Australia inlcuding Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

"Earlier this year at the Australian Grand Prix auction, Bruce sold another pedal car and some are sold through Shannons on various occasions through the year," Mr Billington said.

Mr Billington said that Bruce had acquired his skills over a number of years in various positions, first as a signwriter in Moe, and then as a fitter and turner with the former Yarragon Textile Mills.

"He now runs his own carburettor repair business although his workshop now shares space for real cars alongside full-scale replicas of yesteryear models reincarnated as immaculate pedal cars," Mr Billington added.

For Bruce, the passion and commitment to detail is matched by the compliments from customers who know they have managed to secure such a unique product.

"Often, in a moment of humour, they may even remark that their new pedal car is worth more than the family car," Mr Spunner concluded.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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