WHAT IS IT? It's a Duzgo! - Real (off)Road Test, NZ-style!

[@craigmclean8260]

What an enchanting little car! 23 BHP, 12 forward gears (looks as if it could top out near 50 MPH), and "rock-hopping" ability!

[@HubNut]

We topped 50 at one point!

[@victoriagiles9092]

My father was the designer of this and still owns no. 10, the last one ever made. Grew up driving around in it. It's a mean wee beast and dad still takes it out and around in rangiora. Great to see it finally getting the visibility it deserves

[@k1ckyscotland988]

A 60% survival rate for a vehicle built 40 years ago,that is bloody impressive!.

[@VauxhallViva1975]

THIS is the real kiwi TREKKA!!!! :) What a lovely sound that V-twin makes....

[@buttguy]

i bet there are less than 6 of many trim levels of certain mass-produced 80s and 90s economy cars in existence. 6 of 10 is truly remarkable!

[@graemew7001]

Wow, that car is about 100 times better than the sum of its parts would suggest. I'm stunned at how well it handled that river bed.

[@RichieRouge206]

Possibly the ONLY road test of this vehicle anywhere?! What an awesome little thing, it’s like a real life Postman Pat van! Thoroughly enjoyed seeing this!

[@HubNut]

Billy Connolly has test driven one, oddly.

[@nigelmchugh5541]

This was a popular idea in the USA (and in England and Ireland) during the 1930's. Old Model T chassis were used, and a second gearbox added, and used as a rudimentary tractor. Firms in the US even produced kits of all the bits needed.

[@timhancock6626]

When I first saw it, my first thought was Model T. Dressing up as Laurel & Hardy was an optional extra.

[@adampoll4977]

That little thing is genius. Proper off-road ability of a quad, but functional on road - and developed 40 years ago. The fact that it looks like Betsy from Pertwee era Dr Who is icing on the cake ;)

[@charliemansonUK]

Quite simply my new favourite car! I didn't realise in the scrappie video that it was a production vehicle I thought it was built there from parts. I remember in SW Scotland in the 70's an estate I lived on had two similar kind of offroaders made from Austin 7's for the game keepers on the moors. 2 seats and a box on the back for the dogs and hanging the days shoot. Very similar looking and as a kid really cool to hitch a ride in. Only one gearbox though as I suspect it was a low body made in the estate workshop fitted to a 7 chassis. Loved this little one Peace Charlie 🇬🇧

[@Hanzilla75]

I love the Duzgo, what an amazing vehicle. It deserves to go on a Hubnut T-shirt of its own complete with the Duzgo logo on the back. Absolutely the high point so far of an already epic trip. I hope you are enjoying yourself Ian and thanks for sharing so many videos with us.

[@burtyw8815]

Ian I'm so glad you managed to track one down, that must have taken some researching and tracking down to find the original builders of the vehicle....... Fantastic. Really glad I mentioned it in the comments.

[@42lookc]

That thing is absolutely brilliant! It is simple, lightweight, and oh so effective. It acts like so much more than the sum of its parts. I am truly intrigued. There is almost no way that design wouldn't have been a Grand Slam home run. Isn't it just like a government to get in the way of something so useful? If those lightweight gearboxes were still available, I would love to build these things here in Canada.

[@kevinwhelan8126]

Wow Ian how on earth do you come across such treasures! I’ve lived here 50 years and have never heard of a Duzgo let alone seen one. Mightn’t be the nicest looking vehicle in the world but looks to be well-engineered and love the sound of that little engine. Certainly gives everything a go. What a treat! Many thanks for finding and sharing, I’m going to have to Google this 😀😀😀😀😀

[@MrTumshie]

What a fantastic wee vehicle! I have absolutely no need for one and, given their rarity and my skintness, even less chance of even seeing one in person, but my god how I want one!

[@braveheart196]

Be careful what you wish for it might come true ha

[@BungleBare]

Given the vehicles you have stashed away at home, I thought peak Hub Nut had been achieved. Then you found, and drove, this. You continue to surprise us, in marvellous ways. Top video👍🏻

[@simonredfern2584]

This little gem deserved to be a success.i love it's almost dawn of motoring appearance, a jalopy in the very best way, quirky controls and good off road, whats not to want? Thanks hubnut!

[@cazridley5822]

Crikey ...and in tomorrow’s episode Hubnut goes to the Chiropractor 😂

[@EyesWideOpen61]

Suspension was optional

[@GSimpsonOAM]

Probably more comfortable than a series Landrover though.

[@shaunw9270]

Headline : Hubnut puts his back out in the outback 😂 Yeah I know wrong country doh ! 🤪

[@k1ckyscotland988]

Chirpodist would be more appropriate,see to those toenails young man.

[@jbenekeorr]

It reminds me of Brum! Amazing - Ian you never cease to amaze me with what you find!

[@richardcallison1637]

Fantastic! I can’t believe how well it did on the rocks AND that the tools in the dash tray remained there! Completely bonkers but utterly brilliant😃

[@Perkelenaattori]

Not all cars can be as comfortable as a Citroen BX.

[@dandannels8821]

I'm from USA that little thing is neet THANKYOU

[@jayswarrow1196]

With Vanguard V-twin this thing is undestructable! they're all still use the single coil per cylinder ignition, which is magneto-excited. (basically speaking, it has *zero* electrics in it, and such as diesel, it'll run in *any* conditions, if there's fuel and air) Plus, it's designed to work between 20 and 35 hundred revs, which makes it a cherry pie for low-end lovers (this one included)

[@edgarbeat2851]

Still one of my absolute favourite. Heard of Duzgo when I watched Billy Connolly tour of NZ years ago. So many vids I watched and forgot to like.

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hi Ian, what a great little car,the gearbox seems complicated but seeing going off road is amazing,looks vintage.great video.

[@ThePowerbloke]

What a brilliant and cute little car! I thought that ridiculously long gear stick and ridiculously huge gap between 2nd and 3rd gear was familiar. My second car was a 1961 100e Prefect, side valve.

[@anonymuswere]

what impresses me more is the fact they actually managed to build transmissions for this that can take advantage of these "lawn tractor" engines. everyone knows there's a ton of these rotting away in now unusable push mowers, ride-on mowers, lawn tractors, and possibly even the early Zero Turns (Lawn and Garden equipment in the US gets obsoleted at LEAST as fast as the cars do when it comes to parts). having conversion advice would be quite helpful for rescuing these immortal old engines you can get parts for, but not the bodies they're in. being able to build your own with minimal investment would be handy, especially when utility vehicles in the states *cost the same as a low end car*!

[@grenvillephillips6998]

An antipodean circus clowns' getaway car, disguised as a ute: just brilliant!

[@shaunw9270]

Imagine that ; driving to the supermarket in a cloud of blue smoke . Park, switch off the engine , it backfires and the doors fall off 😂😂

[@kirknelson156]

that has to be the coolest little vehicle i've ever seen, I'd want one :)

[@benjaminmarriott6742]

Where are you finding these!?? Another fantastical miniature 4 wheeler, this time home grown! Brilliant vid

[@twocvbloke]

Oh that exhaust note though!! You cannot beat the sound of a twin-cylinder engine, I just love that sound... :D

[@golfman9290]

That vehicle really duzgo anywhere, nice one Ian.

[@harpsi8]

Only mr.hubnut would find such an interesting car so far from his home. Wonderful Ian! Rich&2 carnivorous kitties, LA. California USA.

[@landsnailproject2875]

Like it ! Great little machine and so cute!

[@meganwiseman3690]

Looks like fun...oh the places that we go and the people that we meet..glad your having a blast in our wee country..so nice to see my Fenz (Fire &Emergency NZ) cap in good use..🚒🇳🇿😎🤩🚗

[@carlstone5735]

I like it's rugged nature compared to our side by side off road vehicles here in the U.S. Similar to the original ARMY JEEPS from WWII. I like it. I could see myself making something like this in the future, even if it is just to drive around locally in and around town.

[@peer6038]

Probably one of the funniest looking vehicles I've seen in a long time. Love it

[@falken_gt4]

It’s gripped, it’s sorted, let’s off-road!! He’s wearing the hat!

[@dandare2586]

5:15 built in Cab tool tray, that is one serious piece of machinery...…..

[@handyhippie6548]

tiniest truck i've ever seen, i love it! i've got a 1947 economy tractor that uses a briggs&stratton 9 hp engine, with a 9" clutch, borg warner 3 speed transmission, banjo rear end and steering box out of a ford model A. i have been wanting to do something like this with it for years. this is just the inspiration i needed. thanks!

[@audreyfforbes-hamilton]

Ooh! Oww! Ooh! Blimey, that was exciting!

[@sirrliv]

What a brilliant little car! It looks to me like what you'd get from an underfunded amusement park trying to make a replica Ford Model A for their vintage cars ride. But the performance was quite impressive. This is exactly the sort of vehicle you need for country work, like running around a ranch or something, stuff that nowadays we'd need a quadbike or mini-jeep to do, but with the added bonus of a roof to keep the sun off you and keep you dry-ish in the rain. If this gent ever wanted to restart his company, I'd reckon he'd find a market for these things pretty easily even today.

[@ben2e0omr]

Love the Duzgo. I have a Clio on the drive that i'm going to call ''Didgo''.

[@rollingtroll]

5:37 Seventh. Mountainbike logic. 9:40 infinite respect for the gimbal Such a pity you couldn't drive it on the road, wonder what it feels like! Love it!

[@MegaBreadvan]

Like my Mega Multitruck, the engine has agricultural origins. The Japanese Kubota engine my Mega has, is a unit used in garden tractors. Although as a transverse twin driving through a CVT transmission. The throttle pedal is also very small... Love the Duzgo, although transmission-wise would prefer the CVT, even if I can't go up 45° slopes in the Mega (would kill it!). Such a pity there aren't more of these unusual go anywhere err cars? Utes? Pick ups? Quads? :-)

[@darrylmcleman6456]

Looks like a fun ride! Duzgo! Here in Canada and also in U.S. they had the Chevy "NOVA" which down in Mexico means No-Go !

[@tonypate9174]

Will Mustie1 be heading for the "stash" after seeing this to knock one up .....will it start with a carb strip and a "tickle" rub over the points ?

[@Mike.Howard]

Don't forget the tap with the internet's most popular hammer!

[@robinwells8879]

Fantastic! I love the name and the engine noise.

[@millomweb]

Were you anticipating the smell of freshly cut grass as well ?

[@twocvbloke]

With a Briggs V-twin, it's a Really Duzgo!!! I've often wondered how one of them (and the opposed-twin) engines would fair in a 2CV actually, just cos, could be a handy source of replacement twinpots if need be... :D

[@HubNut]

Not as well. 2CV engine is far more rev happy. These are really designed for fairly fixed RPM running.

[@twocvbloke]

Oh those engines are very modifiable, much like the Honda GX160 & 200 single-pot engines, they're often used for race-spec go-karts with all kinds of mods to make them go faster and be more revvy like a duck engine, such as different flywheels, tighter valvesprings, better carbs (not too dissimilar to the kinds on later 2CVs), etc., lots of options... :D

[@vtecpreludevtec]

twocvbloke yes,you can get a Chinese ,,Bliggs,, as a base then any amount of hot up parts.

[@bentullett6068]

@@HubNut there is a new engine from Briggs and Stratton which has EFI on it you can tune by plugging it into a computer. Fair to say it's designed to power bigger commercial mowing/groundscare or arbor cultural machinery sold

[@alfresco4976]

@@HubNut Bypass the governor and away we go!

[@jean-pierrejameselsener8595]

That design is simply smashing! The hood ornament reminds my of the trusted Emily! What a fun way to spend one's afternoon.

[@zugbug1986]

It looks like an oversize pedal car or a vehicle from Bugsy Malone. Splurge guns at the ready.

[@Countrysideboy247]

Basically built as a small brother of the model t ! A workhorse! Loved it ! Now if any gentleman had an idea of swapping in a Yamaha bike engine ,then this could do wonders ! I'm sure 😎!

[@martinda7446]

They seem to go REALLY well. Love the 'Bugatti' wheels. Looks like it was built out of a Meccano set and suspect that is part of the charm. I would very much like to have a go.

[@edgarbeat275]

I heard of Duzgo in Billy conellys New Zealand tour. 10 or 11 were built. I am amazed. A wow I was Expecting a Duzgo and hear it is.

[@edgarbeat275]

Also before you were going to head out I was going to message keep an eye out for a Duzgo You are one truly lucky guys. I love obscure cars and my memory was correct 10 :) Yay

[@derek-press]

what a little gem I would love one of those

[@markpitt5248]

That is so cool, it proves you don't need a massive engine or wheelbase to go off-road.

[@kennyscott1089]

Mark Pitt Or have loads of fun for sure.

[@colinrichards3012]

I recognize where you are, just outside Hororata, Canterbury, South Island. I live a few kms. from there. I love this little machine & have seen it on the road. I saw a similar model many years ago, living at a pub on the West Coast of the South Island, it may have been this one. Great to see these quirky usable cars still on the road. I watch your videos & enjoy the nostalgia. You are very knowledgeable. I hope you enjoyed your stay in my adopted country of 20 yrs. I love it here, even with earth quakes, which you were very close to the epicentre of the first! Colin Richards

[@HubNut]

They were originally built on the West Coast and this chap has one over there.

[@murraydawson8407]

Upper Selwyn River by the looks - very lumpy and loose!

[@volvo480]

Those skinny wheels and an air cooled two cilinder engine, it's almost a 2CV-based kit car! I wonder what happens when you put both gearboxes in reverse. :P

[@thromboid]

Ultra-low forward ratio, I'd guess? Would be fun to try!

[@tonys1636]

It would go forward but damage the second box as it would be running backwards, one can only use the front box in forward, gearbox input shafts are only designed to run in one direction under load.

[@ivanhowlett4907]

I've been trying to get my head around that one as well, I wonder if they both have to be in reverse. The more you think about it the more confused you become.

[@tonys1636]

@@ivanhowlett4907 Simples front box in reverse output shaft going backwards, rear box input shaft turning backwards, box in reverse so output shaft is reversed from input shaft, so it is going forward. Will do damage if 2nd. box has syncro and helical cut gears, not designed to run backwards under load. Normally reverse is a straight cut gear so both boxes in reverse should not do any damage, depending on the idler gears, it will only be when the second box is in a forward gear that damage may occur. The reverse should always be engaged on the second box only, leaving the ratio to the first box so a three speed first box box will give three reverse speeds, very low, low and normal.

[@tonys1636]

@Indosarnia That I understand, when I said under load I meant any load other than turning the box over by hand. A gearbox on the overrun is still turning in the same direction.

[@antonyhowell6189]

What a fantastic little car, all those gears to play with and you can fix it yourself. 👍

[@maxgreece1]

Love the look of the Duzgo. Doesn't look the most comfortable experience in the world.

[@petermather8521]

You are right about Kiwi ingenuity, we have a winch at our gliding club that was scratch built by a Kiwi, and it is still being used 25 years later!

[@profrumpo]

Blimey I thought there was only going to be five left on the road watching that, brilliant vehicle what a shame the dreaded taxman scuppered the enterprise.

[@kevinnye5132]

Never heard or seen one before but did look a lot of fun Ian , trust you to find such an unusual car as the DUZGO, 👍

[@TheTrueVoiceOfReason]

A Duzgo parked next to an Invacar would be the photoshoot of a Hubnutter's dream, especially if it were TWC! If one were to remove the governor from that Briggs, she'd do a good bit more than 90 kph. Not sure if that'd be a good thing. Lol Glad to see such an ear to ear smile on that noggin of yours.

[@HistoryNeedsYou]

What a fantastic vehicle. Less is far, far more. Mix together a Model T, a Dingo, a Munga and a 2CV, distill the essence and you get a Duzgo! I wish I had the spanner-ability to build one!

[@rayceeya8659]

I remember reading an article on Jalopnik about a guy with an old Jeep collection that's he's been re-engining with little two cylinder brigsies so he can move them around and take them to shows without dealing with the issues involved in maintaining a 60 year old flathead.

[@andrewmain3572]

I think the Duzgo featured in Billy Connolly's World Tour of New Zealand, which was on TV in 2004.

[@davidflamee]

No wonder the lady rode in the back. Getting into that cab with you two, well it was sweaty and hot, and at my own risk. But that drive was something else. Another "felt like I was there" video.

[@jeffreyplum5259]

This is a video very well suited to watching with a bad back. All that bouncing off rocks ,almost made my back ache more. I could see many places that vehicle could be used. I wonder iif that ulttra low speed is from both transmissions being in reverse.. A relative made home made "tractors" using that trick for stump pulling power. Great Work!!

[@markgriffiths3804]

That is...... the coolest thing I have ever seen!

[@clarkkent2913]

What a nice little thing. Two sticks like an old 18 wheeler. I like it!

[@twoeightythreez]

We had a similar vehicle in the US called the "king Midget". This was a mail order, build it yourself kit car. It was killed off by safety regulations

[@msignal2000]

So glad you tracked one of those down. I doubt you will find a more Hubnut vehicle anywhere in the world.

[@Seiskid]

This thing is delightful. Thanks for finding and sharing.

[@kennyscott1089]

Wow. Absolutely amazing thing. I would use it everyday for sure.

[@rydermike33]

Or an Ogzud in reverse gear(s)! What a wonderful little machine. Many thanks .

[@thewags4720]

This is my favorite review of a car ever so genuine and the way you convey yourself is so nice

[@jonathangriffin1120]

Sir Billy Connolly featured a Duzgo in his series on NZ many years ago, I think I've got it on VHS, I'll try and dig it out.

[@daviemaclean61]

What! No knee warning! Like the arm out the window viewpoint though. Superb little vehicle - I want one!

[@HubNut]

There wasn't room for us to both have both arms inside!

[@alal.t14033]

what a lovely little car

[@-sargntclashroyaleandmore-491]

How could they get the Briggs and Stratton engine to fit with the Ford gearbox is what amazes me!

[@flexispom2565]

If you select reverse on both boxes it'll go forward!

[@tonyridal8499]

I was thinking that too... Oh gawd we've overdosed on hubnut!

[@andrewcottrill3248]

No problem with the triangle of doom on the Duzgo... Brilliant!

[@Grymbaldknight]

If they built similar cars like that today (maybe with 4-person seating and an enclosed boot), i'd be very tempted to buy one. I drive a 2004 Suzuki Ignis (4Grip), and i love nothing more than rugged, practical, and aesthetically-pleasing little cars.

[@jamesfrench7299]

Speaking of gearing, with Betty there is a button next to the gear selector that toggles between economy and power mode. Economy is indicated by "econ" showing on the odo display to indicate it's in that mode. When you select power mode, econ disappears to let you know it's in power mode. This just means the shift points are delayed and it will select a lower gear in some conditions. I use power mode sometimes when taking off at the lights. You get a nice linear burst of power as it lingers in first gear longer without having to depress the accelerator much. Give it a try and you'll see what I mean. It's great for surprising other motorists who intend to beat you to a merge.

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Is this the most fun car ever? Not sure but it is amazing. My mind went to endless possibilities. Cheers.

[@johnchesson5664]

Absolutely brilliant Ian .

[@skylarkaljaha2918]

Kinda like a car version of the bob simple tank. Them kiwis be crazy.

[@captaccordion]

What fun! I too was hoping to see it with both gearboxes in reverse - presumably that would give it the lowest geared forward speed? (And wouldn't the gear whine be symphonic!)

[@markcherriman6136]

Utterly magnificent , best road test to date .

[@MrSportster12]

I want one of those. Thanks for the video, watching it was a great way to start my day. I told my son before he went to school I had found our next car but wouldn't say what until he got back. He asked if it was a Ferrari?

[@HubNut]

Well, it is red...

[@ShaunMurray63]

What a fantastic car , I bet that was a load of fun to be in Ian.

[@MrButtonpresser]

HubNut has run away to NZ and joined the circus! What a gem of a car.

[@KarlAdamsAudio]

What an absolute hoot! I particularly like the Art Deco speedometer too.

[@MrTrundleon]

It's a King Midget and an early Jeep combined! Frickin' great!

[@bentullett6068]

Wow what a amazing little vehicle. This is the obviously where agricultural a ATV companies got the idea to build what they now call side by side utility vehicles which are now a popular choice for farmers, golf course grounds departments and other companies wanting a small ATV vehicle like a car that can go off road, carry or tow items.

[@Zadster]

For people who think a Jimny is a bit too big, and the Land Rover Series are a bit too luxurious. Interesting bump-steer on the front wheels! NASA could do worse than bung an electric motor in one and use it on the next moon landings.

[@markrowland6835]

Just browsing your channel when this pipes up, what timing! Keep up the quality Ian. Great adventure your having.

[@keithfletcher6123]

Watching it trying climb that bank was like willing an egret to get back on the nest in an Attenborough docco ... Go on champ you can do it 👍

[@alanlansdell7533]

Thats amazing, i just assumed it was a home built bitsa. Surprisingly capable little idea.

[@markharris7662]

What an amazing little car. Sounds so good.

[@co_nut_co_nut]

so basically a Frankenstein type car with all the mix and matched parts and i definitely love it