The creations on display at Arizona’s Dwarf Car Museum make for a one-of-a-kind tour of automotive creativity and have, quite deservedly, become a well-known attraction among car enthusiasts. Regular CC contributor Ralf K (Don Kincl) has visited the museum several times over the years, and this time, we’ll get to experience the museum’s delightfully crafted customs through his creative lens.
A bit of background for those not familiar with the place: Ernie Adams, the creator of the Dwarf Car, built his first one in 1965, using parts from nine refrigerators. He went on to gain fame building dwarf race cars during the 1980s, then began creating street-legal, scaled-down replicas of classic cars for himself—the Dwarf Car Cruisers—in the 1990s. Several of these handmade works of art can now be seen at the family-run Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona.
Even from the Museum’s exterior, a sense of whimsy can be felt.
The cars are two-thirds-scale versions of classic automobiles, with handmade bodies built from scratch and drivetrains sourced from 1972–1984 Toyotas. Ernie, now 84, has spent more than 60 years creating these pieces, and his devotion to the craft is evident in every Dwarf on display.
It takes gobs of time—an estimated 3,000 hours—along with craftsmanship and inventiveness to assemble each Dwarf Car, from recycling pieces from unexpected sources, like refrigerators, to…
… Toyota engines and drivetrains, plus other available components scattered around. Materials that can be seen throughout the Dwarf Car Museum—and a big part of its charm.
Here, a running gear donor Toyota.
Ernie’s first Dwarf Racer.
The degree of whimsy varies widely among the models Ernie has conceived over the years, like the Hillbilly Ford in the foreground.
A view of the driver’s side.
This 1940 Mercury has more of a Hot Rod look.
“Bonnie” is one of Ernie’s favorite creations.
Not all miniature old Fords are patinaed. This was one of the most recent builds during Ralf K’s latest visit in 2026.
This 1954 Chevrolet may look familiar to some, as it has been featured here at CC before. It’s something of an exception to the collection, as it belongs to Gene Tweedy, who built it under Ernie’s guidance over the course of ten winters.
Besides Toyotas, there are other treasures found in the exterior. This old truck makes for a cool, eye-grabbing roadside attraction.
And then, less common pieces of automotive history, like this King Midget seen here in 2015.
Which I would think is the same one found inside the shop in 2026.
Like the King Midget, the Dwarf Car Museum gives old parts and metal pieces a chance at new life—a resurrection of sorts, transforming them into something entirely new and ready to inspire delight in their newfound forms.
The square-bodied car in early stages of construction is giving off a 1966 Belvedere vibe.
Looks like the beginnings of a great `63 Impala cvt. project!
Ernie certainly elevated his level of craftsmanship from the first dwarf car to the most recent ones. The ’42 Ford is quite compelling.
The question of why does arise in my mind, but people ask me that about my own automotive (mis) adventures too, so the question is why not?
Wish there was some item that would reveal the scale of these cars. They just look like normal cars to me.
To put these cars in perspective.
My Classic Car episode of The Dwarf Car Museum:
This is awesome. The video really helps put these in proper perspective. I have to hand it to him; he’s created something quite remarkable.
Fully agree!
That blue 1930s style car looks like a normal sized Austin 7 or Bantam, which shows how small those are. I’m curious about the work in progress, the body lines look like a mid 60s Mopar. My wife would love this since at 5’1″ tall she complains too many cars are too big.
Wow, amazing work here .
-Nate