Unique shaped scooters from the past

For those of you who may still be confused with the 'scooter' term and what is the difference with an ordinary motorcycle. The definition of 'scooter' is a type of two-wheeled vehicle or motorcycle with a frame that is one with the body (monocoque) so that its rider has a special platform to put his feet.

Unique shaped scooters (in pictured: Unibus scooter) from the past. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UyYDZB)

Perhaps when it was first shown to the public in the past, its shape was not as we know it now. And maybe you will ask about how unique the shape of the scooter was when it first began to be developed in the past. Here're unique shaped of pioneered scooter was built in early 19th up to 20th centuries;

1. Hildebrand und Wolfmuller

Scooter design began to develop since 1914, but long before there's a German manufacturer named Hildebrand und Wolfmuller had pioneered the first model of scooter in early nineteenth century. But the Hildebrand und Wolfmuller models are not well developed due to the complexity of the design, including the rear wheels which are driven directly by the engine piston as well as on the steam locomotives.

This is Hildebrand und Wolfmüller motorcycle was brought by an Englishman named John C. Potter in 1893 and later known as the first motorcycle in Indonesia. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Nwfrq1)

But amazingly, this German-made scooter was the figure of a motorcycle that first stopped in Indonesia (at that time still called the Dutch East Indies) which was imported directly by a British named John C. Potter in 1893. (Here's the full story).

2. Auto-Fauteuil

In 1902, a French manufacturer made a scooter named Auto-Fauteuil which is often regarded as one of the forerunners of the modern scooter. Unlike today's scooters, Auto-Fauteuil scooters drive the rear wheels with a chain system, just like an ordinary motorcycle. Its trademark is the rider's seat adopts a (house) chair model with arms and backrests.

Auto-Fauteuil 1908 model "Tour" 490 cc, water cooled, single frame. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UR5VwD)

And the story behind the creation of this scooter is also quite unique, it all began when the French factory named Georges Gauthier and Cie. in Blois, Loir-et -Cher, which is actually an auto-parts manufacturer tried to make a scooter.

The scooter manufactured between 1902 and 1922 and the presence of these scooters was quite attention-grabbing in the eyes of the bikers of the era. At  first the power units were supplied by De Dion Bouton, but by 1906 Gauthier used his own engines. These engines could be ordered in several capacities, with magneto or battery and coil ignition and engines could be air-cooled or water cooled.

3. Autoped

Then the first generation of scooters was marked by the appearance of Autoped in 1915. The Autoped was an early motor scooter or motorized scooter manufactured by the Autoped Company of Long Island City, New York from 1915 to 1921.

1919 Autoped, (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KXq9jQ)

To ride the Autoped had a unique way, namely the driver stood on a platform with 10-inch tires and operated the machine by pushing the handlebars forward, while for braking, the driver must pull the handlebars towards the rear.

Krupp licence-built Autoped with seat. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KXq9jQ)

The engine was an air-cooled, 4-stroke, 155 cc engine over the front wheel. The bike came with a headlamp and tail lamp, a Klaxon horn, and a toolbox. Developed during wartime and gasoline rationing, it was quite efficient, but was not widely distributed and used (for example, used by traffic police officers).

4. Unibus

Next unique scooter is a scooter from England which is also included in the first generation scooter category. The scooter was named Unibus, ie a scooter produced by a British company called Gloster Aircraft Co. and before producing scooters, this British company founded in 1917 had been producing airplanes which were used during the first world war. And at the end of the war which was precisely in 1920, the company decided to switch to producing two-wheeled vehicles, namely Scooters.

Unibus scooter as display at the Jet Age Museum in Gloucestershire, England. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DuB6Ds)

This unique scooter designer is Harold Boultbee who is also an engineer at those British manufacturing company. In its heyday, Unibus was a scooter that used a fairly sophisticated engine so many people at that time dubbed it "The Car On Two Wheels". The Unibus scooter uses a 2-stroke one-cylinder air-cooled engine with a capacity of 270 cc. These engine is capable of producing power up to 2.5 horsepower, which then delivers the power to the rear wheels through the two-speed manual transmission system. Then the legs that allow this scooter to roll on the road are a pair of 16-inch wheels.

With engine specifications that are fairly sophisticated at that time, of course it is not surprising that the selling price becomes expensive. Especially by carrying out an elegant design, then at that time, Unibus was considered a masterpiece. But as a result of the high price of these scooters, made it unsold on the market. So finally in 1922 the production was stopped. And for 2 years producing Unibus scooters, the British manufacturer only made 100 units. And if you currently feel interested and want to see this Unibus scooter figure, then you are advised to come up to the Jet Age Museum in Gloucestershire, England.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | SCOOTERNET.GR | YESTERDAYS | HITS FROM THE 80S&90S]

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This is not a Vespa scooter but a car

So far, if we hear the name Vespa, then what comes to mind is a classic two-wheeled scooter with a cute rear, but there are still many who do not know that actually Piaggio, a renowned scooter manufacturer from Italy once produced a mini four-wheeled vehicles (which is common called a micro car or city car) by using the same brand as the scooter product, ie the Vespa in 1957 and marketed in the period between 1959 and 1961.

Piaggio micro car named Vespa 400. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)

This tiny car figure is known as the Vespa 400, and is produced by a French automotive manufacturer called ACMA (Ateliers de Constructions de Motos et Accessoires) with a design patent from Piaggio Italia. This French manufacturer is also known to have produced a military version of the Vespa which was named the Vespa 150 TAP or The Bazooka Vespa in the early 1950s. These Vespa 400 has two variants, namely Lusso and Turismo.

Drawer that serves as a place to put the battery on the front. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)

This tiny car is armed with an air-cooled two-cylinder 393 cc two-stroke engine. The engine's own character is square, which is a bore x stroke 63mm x 63mm and of course it has a balanced character between the top and bottom turns. Then the compression ratio is very low at only 6.4: 1 (which allows the use of fuel with low octane values ​​or below 90).

This mini car has a capacity of 4 passengers, but the rear is still too small for adults. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)

While the engine placement on the back, while for the space in the front can be used to put things. The power produced by the engine reaches 18 horsepower. And the power is then sent to move the rear wheels through a 3-speed manual transmission system. and able to deliver this car running up to speeds of 80-90 kph. Yes, that is indeed enough power for a micro car, especially in the 50s.

This 393cc capacity engine is capable of producing up to 14 horsepower of power. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)

Then the model itself still reflects the Vespa's distinctive design ie compact and simple. The uniqueness of this car is on the door hinges in the middle pillar, the direction of opening the door automatically. Unlike the usual cars that exist today. The roof also uses a canvas model that can be opened when you want to enjoy the panorama.

Rear side view of Vespa 400. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)

The interior as is usually a micro car is only available two seats at the front, and a cushion for small children to sit on the back. So ideally this car can carry 2 adult passengers and 2 small children. Physically, this micro car is wider than the Mercedes Smart which can only be carried two people inside.

There are approximately 20 thousand cars produced in the first two years and finally in 1961 the car production was stopped, while Piaggio did not disclose the reason for the production halt. But at least the micro car Vespa 400 has proven that the Italian manufacturer Piaggio is also able to produce transportation other than scooters. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOSIA]

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A 1950s style Italian-made GT-car got a positive notice at Geneva

The world's largest automotive exhibition event, such as the Geneva International Motor Show is not only to be a place to showcase the automotive products from well-known brands, but also used by many small automotive manufacturers or maybe even previously unknown.

Fornasari 311 GT has shown off at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Dfqat7)

Yes, among the automotive products on display at the 2019 GIMS, there are several vehicles that seem quietly to attract the attention of visitors. Let's us take look at one of them, ie a pretty interesting concept car named Fornasari 311 GT made and designed by Fornisari Cars.

Left side view of Fornasari 311 GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2PegfZB)

Have you ever known those automotive company? We are sure that most of you might doesn't know and might newly found out this time. This company is an Italian automotive company which was officially founded in 1999 by Giuseppe Fornasari with a group of friends supporters.

And actually the company was not a new name in the automotive world, after the adventure in the world of motorsport since the early '90s, with the Corvette purchased in America and the desire to prepare for racing.

Interior view of Fornasari 311 GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZbbDbb)

The world of racing and Gran Turismo is always the backdrop to the life of the promoter of this initiative, thanks to his father, Gigi, Alpha skilled pilot Maserati and fifties, who sent his son a passion for not only cars but also a wealth of technical knowledge and human resources. 

Back to the car. It might looks like a Ferrari, maybe the Jaguar, and has something of Aston Martin, or maybe it is a Mercedes. In any case, comes from fifties of last century. Yes, from its exterior actually looks like the 1950s GT but packed in a tweaked and power avatar.

Rear three quarter of Fornasari 311 GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DfXqR3)

The company said that the concept of the car was designed since 2013 and newly in 2018 it was made into a real car like its current form. The design is, it can be said genuine, and while under its hood is there's  lay a 6.2 liter (some says it taken of Corvette V8) engine with 500 horse power maximum. It is understood that it had to be modified to accommodate this engine block in the body.

Rear view of Fornasari 311 GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DfXqR3)

These old-school 1950s style GT-car is a 2-seater car which can be customized as coupe or convertible without changing the lightweight frame which speaks when travelling at higher speeds. By the customer demands, the car can be made of aluminum or composite material. The chassis is made ​​of steel alloyed with molybdenum (some believed there is chromium) and consists of 450 pipes or tubes.

The interior is dominated by aluminum, wood and leather, and clearly, everything is hand processed and merged together. There are options to choose the decoration and styling according to one’s taste in a variety of fabrics including rare wooden linings.
As quoted of eXtravaganzi, these old-school style GT-car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (100 kph) in only 3.5 seconds and its gas pedal can be pushed up to reach max speed is 200 mph. And from the same sources, the car's price is estimated around $300,000. In our opinion that is a reasonable price for such a pretty car like this.

As closing and bonus as well, if you wanna see one of cars that have shapes look alike to those GT-car mentioned above named the 'Ferarri F430 Competizione,' which rebuilt based of 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlineta by Gullwing America in 2011. And what do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FORNISARI CAR | TOP GEAR | ENUZE | EXTRAVAGANZI]

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Unique collaboration of two Japanese industry giants

Of course we all know the big names of Japanese automotive manufacturers that are very global. Just say Yamaha and Toyota. First. Yamaha is a Japanese industrial giant that has a production line that can be said to be quite diverse, ranging from musical instruments, motorcycles, to engines. But this Japanese manufacturer looks not serious about making four-wheeled vehicles. Why is that so?

The legendary 1967 Toyota 2000GT or 'Japanese E-Type' turn out using Yamaha engine. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Then the second name is called Toyota. The Japanese automotive giant is very successful in producing four-wheeled vehicles. So it is not surprising if their four-wheeled vehicles can be seen pacing up and down the streets around the world. But Toyota never once intended to make a motorcycle. The same question arises, why is that?

1974 Toyota Yamahauler, a Hilux long bed version and used as a show car and appeared in various Toyota automotive advertisements at the time. (Picture from: Otomotif.Sindonews)

1974 Toyota Yamahauler in one of 
Toyota's leaflet ads in 1970s.  (Picture 
from:  SenseiAlan in Flickr)

The answer turns out that Yamaha and Toyota have proven to have unique relationships for years. Yes, this collaboration between the two Japanese industrial giants is analogous to a singer duet of different genres that produces a harmony on the stage of the show. It turns out that Yamaha is not only good at making motorbikes, it turns out they are also very skilled in making engines for four-wheeled vehicles.

As quoted of Ridepart, Yamaha has been designing and supplying engines for several Toyota production cars for years, starting from the 2000GT classic in 1967, then continued with Celica, and MR2. 

Likewise with Toyota, it was noted that in the 1970s it turned out they had created a pickup truck called Yamahauler specifically to promote the ability to transport motorbikes to its pickup model.

Precisely in 1974, Toyota introduced a long version of the Hilux pickup truck. This vehicle was intentionally made by Toyota to inaugurate a larger car which became known as the Toyota Yamahauler, this vehicle was then used widely as a show car and appeared in various Toyota automotive advertisements at the time.

Another Toyota's legendary car called Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 used a legendary Yamaha 4A-GE engine. (Picture from: JapSpirit)

This model offers many additional features that are not available in standard trucks, such as carpeting in the bed, bucket seats with crazy 70s stripes, Cragar rims, and a custom paint job by Molly Design.

Before that, one of Toyota's legendary products, the Toyota 2000GT which also uses engines manufactured by Yamaha. These classic sports cars whose designs are similar to the Jaguar E-Type use 2M and 3M coded engines.

Toyota Celica GT-Four also used a 3S-GTE coded engine of Yamaha. (Picture from: PistonHeads)

The next engine produced by Yamaha for Toyota is the legendary 4A-GE engine. This legendary engine is used by a car that is now also becomin a legend too, the Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86. 

2005 Toyota Celica GTS used a 2ZZ-GE coded engine of Yamaha. (Picture from: JapSpirit)

This machine is so legendary and is hunted by the car enthusiasts because it has compact dimensions, relatively light weights and great power. Therefore this machine is now hunted by car enthusiasts both for racing needs and daily use.

Furthermore, the engine from Yamaha used by Toyota's car products is a machine with a 3S-GTE code. This machine is now being hunted by many people because it has a relatively light weight and has enough power to be used both for daily use or racing. This machine was once immersed in one of the legendary cars from Toyota, the Toyota Celica GT-Four.

2012 Lexus LFA used a V10 1LR-GUE engine of Yamaha. (Picture from: JapSpirit)

The collaboration between Toyota and Yamaha continues to the Toyota Celica GT-S which uses 2ZZ-GE engines. This machine is actually not only used by the Toyota Celica GT-S but also used by one of the British car brands namely Lotus through its product, Lotus Elise.

Collaboration between Yamaha and Toyota continues when Lexus LF-A is introduced, this car also uses a V10 1LR-GUE engine that was developed by Yamaha which received many awards. After success with the Lexus LF-A, Yamaha again contributed to the heart of the drive found in the Lexus IS-F, RC-F, and GS-F engine V8 2UR-GSE.

1992 Yamaha OX99-11, the first Yamaha supercar concept with a 1+1 jet fighter style seating arrangement. (Picture from: Kneeslider)

Yamaha also designed the V8 4.400cc engine for the Volvo XC90 and S80. The same engine is used by Volvo in the V8 Supercars race in Australia. In fact, the British sports car brand, Noble, uses the same drive for their product, the M600.

Then Yamaha also independently created a concept car called the Yamaha OX99-11 which was driven by a Yamaha V12 engine in 1992. The engine became the basis of the manufacturer to enter the world of Formula 1 racing as a supplier of engines to Zakspeed, Brabham, Jordan, Tyrell, and Arrows in the 1990s.

1989 Ford Taurus SHO equiped a new fuel-injected a Yamaha 3,000cc V6 was putting out 200 hp. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

Given the history of Yamaha, which is very good at developing engines for four wheels, making one of American auto giants, Ford was interested to use Yamaha's engine. Recordedly, they pinned a Yamaha 3,000cc V6 engine in the engine room of the Ford Taurus SHO which was launched in 1989.

Yamaha Sports Ride Concept at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: Autoexpress)

And finally in 2015, Yamaha once again presented their 4-wheeled sports car called the Yamaha Sports Ride Concept at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. The middle-engined sports car is said to have a driver-engine relationship similar to a motorcycle. Unfortunately until now there have been no signs from Yamaha to make a production version of this beautiful sports coupe. *** [EKA [08012019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIDEAPART | AUTOEXPRESS | KNEESLIDER | JAPSPIRIT | PISTONHEADS | HEMMINGS | CARANDDRIVER ]

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Rare TVR Typhon

The original TVR Typhon concept car is one of rare supercharged street legal sports cars with a carbon fiber body. There was one road car prototype built in 2001 which was displayed during its lifetime and only three were ever built.

The 3 TVR Typhons together at a Goodwood event in 2012. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

The car is said the fastest TVR's production ever built. This car built by those British company in their factory in Blackpool between 2000 and 2006.

The first prototype or PN02. Originally badged as TuscanR, then T400R, finally T440R. Generally referred to as the T400R or De Walt car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

Historically, the making of this car began in the late 1990s, Peter Wheeler (TVR founder) began the project that would fulfil his ambition to see the TVR's at Le Mans. An entirely new car was going to be needed. It would need to be built by using modern composites materials be more rigid than any previous TVR. 

The T400R Prototype known as PN02 in De Walt colours. Used by TVR to promote the Le Mans series racing. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

Initially, TVR Typhon began its life as a a two-seat sports car named TuscanR (TVR T400R) following the Tuscan racers (TVR Tuscan Challenge). These both composite bodied racing/road car was appeared for the first time at the 2000 NEC Motor Show in Birmingham.

The T440R prototype. Like PN02, it was also seen with both TuscanR and T400R badges in 2001. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

Its initailly designed for 200 mph (322 kph) on the Mulsanne Straight, to be stable and above all to be win. And so began what started labelled as the TuscanR (TVR T400R) and finally resulted in the 200 mph+ Typhon was the fastest and most expensive production car in TVR's production history.

The T440R roadcar. Often referred to as 'LNT1' as it was originally Lawrence Tomlinson's car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

In 2002, there were two models offered; a GT Championship spec race car and a road car which could be ordered as a 2+2 variant. They were offered with a 4.2 litre version of the TVR speed six engine and a suggested 450 bhp. As the total weight was around 1,000 kg this was double the power to weight ratio of a Porsche 911 Turbo!

The original show car of TVR Typhon (No.2). This was the Reflex Charcoal car that did all the motor shows. Originally owned by post Peter Wheeler (TVR) era owner of TVR. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

The cars used a TVR's 4000 cc or 4200 cc (4000 cc supercharged) straight six, fuel injected engine mated with of five speed manual gearbox (six speed sequential gearbox) and quoted a top speed of over 200 mph by carrying four adults in it. The first batch of 50 sold out at the show even with a £75,000 price tag.

TVR Typhon (No.3) Technically the only Typhon ever delivered directly to a private customer. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

During the subsequent development and prior to production of customer cars the model name was changed to T400 to reflect a new offering of a 400 bhp engine power with a standard Borg Warner T5 gearbox and T440R for the Le Mans race cars.

TVR Typhon (No.1 originally supercharged + sequential gearbox). Never delivered but retained by the factory until it closed. Privately owned since 2010. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

The first prototype T400R road car had the TuscanR body and was subsequently painted in DeWalt colours and although a non-runner at this point was used during the press launch onboard HMS Invincible, the following cars had the later T400R body style.
Records do not exist from the factory so production numbers are very unclear, but most agree that one true Typhon exists, with a Vortex supercharger and six speed sequential gearbox putting out about 550 bhp. Ex TVR staff suggest that four Typhons may have been built altogether though. *** [EKA | FROM VAROUS SOURCES | TVR CLUB CAR | WIKIPEDIA | WIKIWAND]

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