History & Manufacturer

• • Gebrüder Ihle KG, founded in Bruchsal in 1930, began manufacturing fairground rides for showmen after the Second World War, particularly in the mid-1950s. These included bumper cars, carousels, and children's cars with detailed bodies made of glass fiber-reinforced polyester.

  • A specific model from 1955: a miniature Mercedes 300 SL model approximately 2.50 m long with a fiberglass body, stainless steel tank, original Mercedes steering wheel, and an 8 hp Hirth two-stroke engine.

Technical specifications:

(Reference point – example model)

• • Dimensions: approx. 1.90 m length × 1.20 m width × 0.80 m height

  • Weight: approximately 200 kg

  • Drive: depending on the model, either as an electric bumper car with a steerable DC drum motor (80–110 V, approx. 0.75 kW), powered via the driving surface and overhead line, or a gasoline engine (as in the 1955 model with Hirth two-stroke engine).

  • Chassis: Steel frame with all-round rubber impact protection, fiberglass body, chrome-nickel steel or polished aluminum trim strips

  • Lighting: Front headlights and rear lights, powered by multiple circuits

  • Interior features: padded knee and seat surfaces, foam padding, authentic steering wheel

Design & Special Features

• • The vehicles were often based on real cars, especially the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, including the radiator grille, headlights, and other style-defining details.

  • Detailed design: fiberglass body with aluminum trim and high-quality workmanship.