Penguin amphibious vehicle Photo Gallery by Bev Wigney at pbase.com

Penguin amphibious vehicle

This gallery is an archive for photos and other documents pertaining to the Penguin amphibious vehicle that was manufactured by Pengor Limited in Carleton Place around 1964. Almost all of these materials are from the Kay Family archives. Please contact me for permission to use any images or printed matter from this archive.

:: Penguin Photos ::

:: Penguin Models B & D - Illustrated Parts List ::

:: Penguin History ::

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Bev Wigney		23-Mar-2009 14:51
Hi Chris, It may just be the way you are starting the engine. If you have questions about this, check out Kevin Percy's page about Penguins. Here's a link: http://ca.geocities.com/kevin_percy/penguinpage From his page, he writes: Penguins are powered by a Villiers 2-stroke, 197cc engine, with a 4-speed transmission, fan-cooling and a reversible Siba Dynastart (electric starter-generator). They did not have an actual reverse gear, if you wanted to go backwards you shut the engine off, pushed the centre of the ignition switch inward with the key, turned it to the right and restarted the engine with the crankshaft turning in the reverse direction. On some later models (and the Beaver) the key was turned to the left to start in reverse.

Chris Snow		17-Mar-2009 03:14
Can anyone tell me where i can get a reverser solenoid because i am working on one and it will only start in the reverse position so i think that is the logical explination

Bev Wigney		09-Mar-2008 17:49
Steve - The best place to look for info on Penguin parts is Kevin Percy's website. Here's a link to his webpage that contains info on possible places to locate parts. Most of the hardware on Penguins was sourced from such suppliers as marine hardware companies, etc... It's possible that you could still find some of the items in a marine hardware catalogue.

levelox		02-Mar-2008 02:29
I was just given a penguin today and can't wait to get it running. It is covered with at least 1/4 inch of dust as it was stored in a warehouse that makes wood flooring. It looks all intact with some hanger rash that will be easily fixed. The motor looks intact and even the chains are well lubed. I do need a hatch for the motor compartment and would like to see if anyone knows where to get parts. I did read the company went bankrupt in the 60's but I am hoping there is a place for aftermarket parts. Please call me as I am a newbie and really have already fell in love with this little buggie. I now have a way to sneak up on the ducks during duck season. Thanks, Steve 936-697-5330

Rob McCue		11-May-2007 14:08
I too am in the hunt for rear tires for my Penguin. As of this time I am looking into ATV and turf tractor tires through several distributors here in Barrie. I think I may have to go to a "close fit" ATV or tractor rim with a currently available commercial tire. I will keep you posted. (rob.mccue@hotmail.com) PS: does anyone have a detailed wiring diagram for the Villiers?

Bev Wigney		04-May-2007 13:56
Hi Judi, I'm emailing you with a reply, but I'll post a reply here as well for anyone else who might have the same question. I wrote to Kevin Percy who has a website about Penguins: http://ca.geocities.com/kevin_percy/penguinpage He replied: >>>>I have not yet been able to find a source for the rear tires. It looks like Goodyear was the only one that made the right size and only until sometime in the 70's,.... It is possible to put a lawn tractor tube in them that will stretch to fit. I think the size I use is 18 x 8.5 x 8.<<<< Hope that's of some help to you in your restoration project. - bev

Judi Boone		01-May-2007 21:18
Hello, my parents bought a Penguin for my sister and I, back in the 60's when we were just about 10 or so, we had so much fun, we used it at our cottage near Kemptville, Ontario. There was a problem with the clutch and my Dad took it apart. I now have the penguin, which has been under a tarp for many, many years. I have all the parts, but the large rear tires are flat. My son and I are going to polish it up, and get the motor put back in. I'm wondering if there is anywhere that I can buy the tires. Thanks.

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