Gloobyscoot, a French dream scooter lost in time

Not many people know about the existence of this scooter, some of you might think it never existed. Yes, indeed this scooter has actually been lost somewhere. And the Gloobyscoot scooters (thus the name of this scooter) that exists today are just the replicas.✂️

A replica of 1953 Gloobyscoot deLuxe version scooter presented by Tonton Scooters. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2qGbcIZ)

The Gloobyscoot scooters, at a glance similar to the American classic scooters such as Salisbury and Cushman. Those classic American scooters are also known as a source of inspiration for the birth of scooter culture in Europe shortly after the 2nd World War ended. 

This unique-shaped scooter is made by two Frenchmen named Roland Legroote and Maurice Renard. It all started, when Roland Legroote who was initially a foreman and worked in an agricultural machinery assembly workshop which was then mobilized when the 2nd World War began.

The 'original' Gloobyscoot scooter' frame and bodywork built by Roland Legroote and Maurice Renard and its engine were taken from the Bernadet Y52 scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rtmHnL)

During the war, He was once a prisoner of war and imprisoned in Germany. At the same time, he was employed at the Heinkel automotive factory. After that, he came back to France and participating in resistance activities against the German occupation forces in 1943.

After the war, he returned to work in an agricultural machinery factory in Labatut. Shortly afterward he was reunited with his friend named Maurice Renard who has to work as a marketing agent for Bernardet scooters in Asnières (Seine). At the time, they both were amazed by the appearance of the Italian scooters in the country, then decided to develop the two-wheeled vehicles on their own.

The Gloobyscoot scooter powered by a single-cylinder 125cc engine combined with 4-speeds manual transmission system, so its top speed is 75 km/h. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rtmHnL)

They designed the dream scooter' frames, and bodyworks then decided to use an engine that was taken from the Bernardet Y52 scooter. To smooth out the plan then Roland Legroote partnered with Maurice Renard founded a company named Gloobyscoot by using his personal funds, and later they rented a small workshop to complete the assembling process of their dreamed two-wheeled vehicle. 

At that time the workshop employed only two mechanics, of course, it was inadequate. Then they decided that the making of the main pieces of the scooter's frame and bodywork was subcontracted to the factory where Roland Legroote is worked.

The Gloobyscoot scooter equipped with several mandatory accessories such as a GrandTourime handlebar, spare wheel, watch counter, genuine leather single seat, a typical front bumper, and rear fin. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rtmHnL)

As quoted from Scootitude magazine, the prototype of the Gloobyscoot scooter was first introduced in 1953 in front of their small workshop on Chemin Vert Road, Asnières (Seine), a northwestern suburb area about 7.9 km from the center of Paris. 

After seen the work results, they felt very satisfied. Then they planned a public presentation at the Salon de l'Auto 1953 in Paris in October 1953. Soon they registered to be a participant of the exhibition to the Fédération Française de Cyclisme (French Cycling Federation). All presentation materials, advertisement posters, flyers, brochures and so on have been prepared, as well as the booth where they will display prototype scooters that have been successfully made beforehand. 

Several photos derived from Valentine Dubuc about the Gloobyscoot prototype scooter. From left to right, in Photo 1: The atmosphere of the workshop on Chemin Vert Road where the prototype of the Gloobyscoot scooter was made. Photo 2: Seen Maurice Renard (on the left) and Roland Legroote (in the middle) wearing light color suits. Photo 3: Seen the bodywork of the Gloobyscoot prototype scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rtmHnL)

But it seems that good fortune has not yet been on their side. Before they could fill the booth at the exhibition, then came bad news that told Maurice Renard suddenly died while he was driving the car. Due to his deep sorrow, Roland Legroote finally gave up and left all the plans that had been prepared fell apart along with the death of Maurice. It could be said, the Gloobyscoot has been finished, before actually starting its adventure. 

In the end, Roland Legroote never left the Labatut-based agriculture machinery factory, until he pensioned in 1960 with his last position as the Technical Director and then he and his family (daughter: Jacqueline, and granddaughter: Valentine Dubuc) moved to Malaucène and also brought the Gloobyscoot prototype scooter along with them. And later, Monsieur Legroote passed away in 1976.

A rare Gloobyscoot flyer to be distributed at 'Salon de l'Auto 1953' in Paris. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rtmHnL)

Time passed, for almost twenty years, the prototype of the scooter slept under the dust of a large Malaucène house' garage. Until finally in 1990 there was an order to vacate the house and garage ... somehow then the sleeping scooter disappeared at the hands of unscrupulous thrift dealers, and its fate not known since. 

Today, what happened to the scooter imagined by Roland Legroote/Maurice Renard? Apart from family-related memories here and some documents such as advertisements, and some workshop documents were miraculously rediscovered. 

A replica of 1953 Gloobyscoot deLuxe version scooter hits on the streets. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rtmHnL)

As a closing, if You have any info or clues about the Gloobyscoot scooter, don't hesitate to contact Roland Legroote's granddaughter named Valentine Dubuc. She will be happy to learn more about this scooter and is ready to realize her grandfather's dream. Here's another mysterious France-made scooter known as Boudier Super B58.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCOOTITUDE MAGAZIN|E BERNARDET | LES-TONTONS-SCOOTEURS.COM | INSTAZU | LESRENDEZVOUSDELAREINE | LESREPAIREDESMOTARDS]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Getting to know about the adorable cutie Japanese cars

Now in Japan, one of the world's leading automotive expos known as the Tokyo Motor Show 2019 is currently taking place. As is the case with automotive expos anywhere in this world definitely will showcase the latest and best automotive products made by local and foreign manufacturers.

Daihatsu Waku Waku concept on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31QHX3q)

At the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, visitors will be spoiled by a variety of automotive products from domestic and foreign countries as well. But there is something that tickles the eye and looks so unique that it's hard not to look there, where you can see many cutie cars on display in the booths of famous Japanese car manufacturers, such as Daihatsu, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota.

Honda e on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2pfKhUf)

Maybe some of you will ask, 'What a kind of car is that?' Before answering it, it's good if we first look and aware of the cultural conditions of the people were different in each country, and so do the vehicle preferences of the population. If in America you might see a lot of large cars with abundant engine power running busy on the streets, but in Japan, you will be found a contrasting view, because in the country will be found many small cars both in terms of the size and the machine circulating on the highway.

Mitsubishi Super Height K-Wagon Concept on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2olyNy8)

Well in Japan, these cutie cars are known as the Kei Car. And as far we know, the Kei Car itself is one of the best-selling car types in the land of the Rising Sun. Besides has the mini-sized body, turn out the engine used by it has a small capacity as well, an average of 660 cc. That's really small, right?

Nissan IMk Concept on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31JKbkQ)

Although small and tiny, the automotive manufacturers that make it does not ignore the main rules in designing and making a good car in terms of shape, comfort, and safety as well.

Suzuki Waku Spo Concept on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32MXGBx)

What makes the Kei Car so popular in Japan? The main reason is the matter of taxes and insurance regulations issued by the Jap government based on the size of the vehicle. Yes, Kei Car or K-Car or Keijidosha (Light AutoMobile) is one of the legal small vehicle categories in Japan with engines below 660 cc, designed in response to the local regulations.

Toyota Ultra-compact BEV on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JmZQAh)

So the Kei Car has low taxes and insurance rates when compared to larger sized vehicles. In addition, the presence of Kei Car is a solution for car owners in Japan who are required to have a parking certificate.

Daihatsu Ico Ico concept on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31QHX3q)

Historically, the presence of Kei Car began in the post World War II period when Japan's economic conditions declined so that the purchasing power of Japanese people was below the normal-sized car budget. Perhaps this is one of the few examples of 'the fruit of patience is blessings.'

Daihatsu Tsumu Tsumu concept on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31QHX3q)

The development history of the Kei Car can be divided into 3 eras, namely the 300 cc era, from 1958 to the 1970s. Then the era of 550 cc, where the Kei Car engine and technology was developed slightly more modern. Followed by the 660 cc era, which began in the 1990s with the development of engines and implemented more innovative technology on Kei Car. Even now, they also pin the electric motor drive to follow today's automotive trends.

Daihatsu Wai Wai concept on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31QHX3q)

Unfortunately, the success of the Kei Car in the Japanese domestic market has not been able to penetrate markets outside Japan. This is because the engine used by a Kei Car is sometimes considered too small. Therefore in some countries choose to adopt by setting the formulation of Kei Cars to suitable the intended market (usually by replacing the engine capacity to be slightly larger.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROADSHOW]
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The world's first motorcycle with casting whells

If we now seeing a motorcycle ridden and carried more than two passengers on the highway, of course we assume that's a dangerous action. But it would be different if we see it in the days before World War II, when the price of a car far beyond the reach of most families, and make motorcycles as an alternative.

1927 Böhmerland Langtouren was the world's first motorcycle with the casting wheels. (Picture from:http://bit.ly/2MxteFO)

Well, in the past a motorcycle equipped with a sidecar so that it could felt safer while load more passengers on it and had become a common sight when used on the highway. But at that time there was also something different, namely a unique motorcycle created by a Czech engineer named Albin Liebisch who turned out to have a two-wheeled vehicle design philosophy that was different from most people at the time.

1927 Bohmerland Langtouren was applied with two gearboxes and two fuel-tanks as well. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MxteFO)

Because instead of making motorbikes with sidecar, but instead he made a motorcycle design that is longer than an 'ordinary' motorcycle. Albin assumed that the unusual motorcycle, which he made for the manufacturer of Böhmerland in 1927 and was given the name Böhmerland Langtouren would be able to carry three passengers equally safely.

1927 Böhmerland Langtouren initially was used as an army transport motorcycle for up to three to four passengers on it. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/35YSooO)

With a longer wheelbase than a regular motorcycle, Albin thinks the motorcycle is easier to control when compared to a motorcycle with a sidecar. Even more unique, this motorcycle applies two gearboxes. The first gearbox is similar to other conventional motorbikes and is used by the rider, and the second gearbox is used by the passengers to help the rider change the gears.

Besides that there is also another uniqueness, this motorcycle has two tanks as well, one in front and the other one in the back. And the Böhmerland Langtouren uses a 603 cc single-cylinder engine, which turns out to be the world's first motorcycle to apply the casting wheels on both wheels.

At the beginning of this long motorbike was used as the army transport motorcycle for up to three to four passengers on it. And the chosen casting wheels because it's considered stronger given this motorcycle carried more passengers than the motorbikes in general. Unique isn't. Do you want to ride it?

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GIZMAG] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Here's the Kongo, one of the world's most sought after scooters (Part-2)

Now we are know that the Vespa Kongo is a designation for a Vespa special models which assembled in Germany and was a state award for the Indonesian soldiers who have been served in Congo as the UN's Peacekeeping Forces in between 1960 to 1963. So clearly this Kongo type of scooter only exist in Indonesia.

Vespa Kongo has become a part of the history of the Indonesia's participation for world peace. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2pFy4YR)

Distinctive marks of the Vespa Kongo 

One of the features that makes the Vespa Kongo so unique, due to these scooter models were not assembled at the Vespa factory in Pontadera, Italy as other Vespa models in general that time, but at the Vespa GmbH Augsburg, one of the Vespa factories in Augsburg, Germany which was established in 1958 and there were 2 scooter models, ie.  Vespa 150 cc scooters (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 4-speed) VGLB, and Vespa 125 cc scooters (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 3-speed) VGLA.

Vespa Ausburg VGLA/B aka Vespa Kongo has a round front fender without joints and uses 10-inches sized rim on both its wheels. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oGthFZ)

Vespa Kongo is manufactured by using higher quality steel plate materials and has more complete equipment compared to other Vespa scooter models that were commonly circulating in Indonesia at that time such as the VBB1T or VBB2T models.

The Vespa Kongo scooter models physically have a special characteristic on the body which is not found in other Vespa models, namely:

• It has a Garuda emblem made of brass plates on the left front body (but unfortunately, the logo is rarely found in the remaining Vespa Kongo now).
• On the left handlebar (the clutch/gears section) precisely, there is an oval shaped bulge.
• It has a round front fender without joints.
• It uses 10-inches sized rim on both wheels.
• It has a handlebar with a rather large box-shaped VDO speedometer that is different from the Vespa Type VNA/VNB.
• At the top of the speedometer there is a small indicator lamp.
• It has a machine number that starts with the codes of VGLA1M or VGLB1M.
• And finally in the Indonesian Vehicle Ownership Book (Bukti Pemilik Kendaraan Bermotor/BPKB) there's an 'Ex-Brigade III information' about name and rank of the soldiers who got this scooter.

In addition to the characteristics mentioned above to complete the owner identity such as, the soldier identity numbers who got the Vespa scooter is also embedded in the handlebar (oval handlebar) made of brass and an accompanying awards. Here we provide some pictures that might give a little picture of the characteristics of the Vespa Kongo scooter as mentioned above:

Vespa Kongo distinctive marks as mentioned above, as follow it has an oval shaped bulge, a box-shaped VDO speedometer, at top of speedometer there's small indicator lamp, etc. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2n8KK9N). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o0ZOGR)

At present, the existence of thsee Vespa Kongo scooters are difficult to find in the original conditions. Even if there were, they would be very few in number and be in the hands of people who care to maintain their existence. 

The valid authentication marks of Vespa Kongo can be seen in the Indonesian Vehicle Ownership Book (Bukti Pemilik Kendaraan Bermotor/BPKB) there's an 'Ex-Brigade III information' about name and rank of the soldiers who got this scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2n8KK9N)

In addition, at the first place it's also affected by the very limited number of scooters in accordance with the number of soldiers who got it, plus at present the condition of some of its spare parts which have been damaged and cannot be repaired, meanwhile its replacement parts are no longer on the market.

Another Vespa Kongo distinctive marks as mentioned above, as follow it has a box-shaped VDO speedometer, at top of speedometer there's small indicator lamp, etc. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2n8KK9N)

Until now, we don't know yet how much price of the Vespa Kongo scooter in original condition. We're though that were not cheap certainly, or an exorbitant prices it could be. (Some said the price over Rp.50 million or around US $3,5k).

Are you have these special-kind-of scooters? If yes. We can only say 'Congratulation, You are very lucky person due to have one of the most sought after scooters in the world.' 

Today, the Vespa Kongo like a myth among the Indonesian scooter fans even the world. If you have it. Keep the Vespa Kongo scooter as one of the Indonesian priceless treasures..!!  

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...... (Back to Part-1).   

(This article was deliberately created in order to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Indonesian National Army (Tentara National Indonesia/TNI) on October 5, 2019.)

Remain as the Guardian of Our beloved Indonesian homeland with all the heart. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KOMPAS | OTOFREAK | MOTOPLUS | OTOMANIA | VESPA]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone.

Here's the Kongo, one of the world's most sought after scooters (Part-1)

Did you ever heard about the Vespa Kongo classic scooters? For those of you the scooter fans from abroad may be feel strange due to have never been heard or known the existence of this classic Vespa scooter type before. But for the Indonesian scooter fans, of course, most of them are already knew and familiar to those Vespa Kongo (or 'Congo' for English spelling) scooters name.

Vespa Ausburg VGLA/B aka Vespa Kongo is a state award scooter to several groups of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces who served in Congo, Central Africa back in the end 1950s to early 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o5cywb)

Besides having a distinctive shape, it turns out that the antique scooter holds a priceless historical value for Indonesian, and also said has its own prides for those who are lucky able to own it. This Vespa scooter model emerged and gained popularity back in the early of 1960s.

Several member of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces proudly posed with their Vespa Kongo in the 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oED8wa)

History of the Vespa Kongo name 

Actually there are some nicknames that are circulating in Indonesian society about this Vespa scooter model besides the 'Kongo,' including the 'Vespa Telur' (mean 'an egg' in English) because it has oval-shaped side fender like an egg, then there's also called it as 'Vespa Ndog Kentus' which means the same as an egg.

Several member of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces proudly posed with the Vespa Kongo in the 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oGthFZ)

The designation of the Vespa Kongo itself comes from the name of the country where several groups of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia/TNI) known as the Indonesian Garuda Contingent (Kontingen Garuda/KONGA) were assigned in the late 1950s and early 1960s. At that time they got the task as the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces from Indonesia in Congo, Central Africa under the mission of the UNOC (United Nation Operations for Congo).

Vespa Kongo was assembled at the Vespa GmbH Augsburg one of the Vespa factories in Augsburg, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2nSPf8T)

Front view of the legendary   
Vespa Kongo of the 1960s.  
(Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o0ZOGR)

Well, this Vespa scooter models were then given to the members of the Peacekeeping Forces as a form of appreciation from the Indonesian government for their services in Congo. Another sources said that besides these Vespa scooters there're also other forms of appreciation like the money and also sewing machines. 

It was also reported that the Vespa Kongo scooters were distributed based on the military rank, namely for those who had higher rank to get the green colored Vespa 150 cc scooters (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 4-speed) VGLB, while the soldier with lower rank got the Vespa 125 cc (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 3-speed) VGLA in yellow or blue colored.

The Vespa Kongo starting known in the Indonesian scooter market back in the 1963, as a Vespa scooter model belonging to ex-Kontingen Garuda-2 (1960-1961) and Garuda-3 (1962-1963) members, but there is no certain source yet whom said whether the members of the Kontingen Garuda-1 also received the same scooter prizes (due to they assigned to Egypt back in the 1956).

Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 3-speed) VGLA aka Vespa Kongo only exist in Indonesia for the scooter models in between 1960 to 1963. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o0ZOGR)

Let's move to the next discussion about the Vespa Kongo destinctive marks. (Continued to Part-2).

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...... 

(This article was deliberately created in order to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Indonesian National Army (Tentara National Indonesia/TNI) on October 5, 2019.)

Remain as the Guardian of Our beloved Indonesian homeland with all the heart. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KOMPAS | OTOFREAK | MOTOPLUS | OTOMANIA | VESPA]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone.