In 1960, John Gower rolled out the prototype Jiger. The power plant was simple. Twin engines, one for the left wheels and one for the right wheels. The power plant was built modular for easy removal and maintenance. The two, 2 cycle chainsaw style engines mounted on each side of the drive system. Forward motion was achieved with a belt and clutch system and turning was achieved by throttle control to each engine. Each side also had an individual brake system for tight turns.
The first body was constructed with chicken wire and body filler. It was quite heavy, but was only to prove the concept. Later fibreglass would prove to be much more efficient. The body was painted lemon yellow. A colour which became a Jiger trademark. The first tires were Firestone Terra Tires even though John Gower was working on his own "low pressure" balloon tire.
There was no space inside the body for the drive train so the chain drive was mounted on the outside and shielded with sheet metal. The body had two chrome bicycle style headlamps mounted on the "hood". The Prototype unit was featured on the cover of Popular Science in December 1961, Hobby Magazine (Germany) 1962, and Mechanix Illustrated in April 1962 showing off the optional fibreglass roof. Later the Terra Tires were replaced with the new low pressure balloon tires made by Jiger. They proved to be lighter and much better for suppressing bumps and vibrations.
