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There is a place about 40 miles due south of Phoenix called Maricopa. The city is home to some 44,000 residents, one of whom is Ernie Adams, whose unique museum of cars draws folks from all around the country. They’re not just any cars, however; these are dwarf cars. Today, we have a YouTube video showcasing the brain and brawn behind his unique hobby.
Dwarf cars are built to a smaller scale (5/8), yet resemble the full-scale models in almost every aspect. Ernie is credited with building the first one back in the early 1980s, when he and his friend Daren Schmaltz competed to build the first two based on a ’34 Ford coupe and a ’33 Dodge coupe, respectively, each using junked parts, motorcycle engines, and more than a little ingenuity. Before they knew it, the two guys were racing around the Arrowhead Speedway in Phoenix in the dinky little cars, attracting lots of attention from sightseers and potential buyers.
Today, dwarf car racing has found its place in the U.S., with fans across the country. Ernie has since settled down from his racing days, and has instead devoted much of his time and attention to maintaining the legacy of the dwarf car. Part and parcel of this is his museum, where he and his son Kevin showcase the seven dwarves that Ernie has built over the years.
Ernie and Kevin both decided the cars would be best used as part of the museum, where the Adams legacy could continue for many years as it dazzles and inspires people from all over. Using his mind’s eye, homemade dies, and lots of elbow grease, Ernie and his son have built some of the coolest little cars ever seen. If you can, we advise you to take the time to go check the place out for yourself. It’s worth the price of admission.
