Reviving History: The Iconic Three-Wheeled Rocket from Brno

Unique ONES - While the resurgence of the automotive industry post-World War II is often associated with Western Europe, there's a lesser-known yet significant narrative unfolding in Eastern Europe. In the shadows of the more prominent developments, innovative minds were at work, pushing the boundaries of automotive design and engineering. One such story emerges from Brno, a city nestled in the south of the Czech Republic, where engineer František Netík crafted a unique three-wheeled vehicle in 1957.

1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' on display at the Oldtimer Festival vehicle exhibition in Slavkov back in 2005. (Picture from: WebCarStory)

Netík, employed as a technician at Brno Královopolská Engineering Works, dedicated his spare time and expertise to bring his vision to life. The project took nearly four years, primarily developed in his private garage—a testament to his passion and dedication to automotive innovation.

Front view of 1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' three-wheeled vehicle. (Picture from: CCK-Brno)

Dubbed the Raketa, which translates to 'Rocket' in English, this three-wheeled marvel was a fusion of futuristic design elements and practical engineering. Inspired by the space-age trends of the 1950s, Netík's creation exuded a sense of novelty and adventure. Although some refer to it as the Netik 600, paying homage to its creator, the name Raketa resonates with its pioneering spirit.

The Raketa's physical presence was strikingly unique, measuring approximately 4.5 meters in length and boasting a weight of around 800 kg. Its broad front section tapered elegantly towards the rear, presenting a blend of aerodynamic aesthetics and functional space utilization.

Left side view of 1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' three-wheeled vehicle. (Picture from: CCK-Brno)

What truly sets the Raketa apart is its surprising capacity to accommodate up to five passengers within its cabin. With a seating arrangement of three in the front—centered around the driver—and two in the rear, the vehicle offered a novel experience. The interior was adorned with plush green-bottle colored velvet, adding a touch of luxury to its avant-garde design. 

The steering wheel of 1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' three-wheeled vehicle positioned in the center. (Picture from: WebCarStory)

Constructed entirely from metal, with stainless steel accents adorning various parts, the Raketa was initially painted in green and white, later transitioning to the iconic red and white hues reminiscent of the Brno tram.

Rear view of 1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' three-wheeled vehicle resembles a weird bathtub. (Picture from: WebCarStory)

Underneath its sleek exterior lay a robust 619cc Java Minor II 3-stroke engine, capable of propelling the Raketa to a top speed of 90kph, coupled with a transmission system consists of 4 forward and 1 reverse gear with a strange and large bakelite ball at the end of the lever, and complemented by a rear-wheel steering system for enhanced maneuverability. 

1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' while 
driven by Frantiišek Netík on
 the Brno city streets. (Picture 
from: CCK-Brno)

Despite its innovative design and functional prowess, skepticism loomed regarding its stability, especially at higher speeds. However, Netík's creation defied expectations, proving its mettle as a practical and reliable mode of transportation.

 

Upon completion, the Raketa ventured onto the streets of Brno, serving as Netík's daily rides and traversing countless kilometers. Tragically, with Netík's passing in 1974, the fate of the Raketa took a somber turn. It fell into obscurity, facing neglect and gradual dismantling.

Fortunately, the Raketa's legacy was not lost to time. Rediscovered years later, it made a triumphant return to public admiration at the 2005 Oldtimer Festival, showcased in its original, barn-find condition. Today, as a rare relic of automotive history, the Raketa stands as a testament to the ingenuity and passion of ordinary individuals shaping extraordinary innovations.

1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' three-wheeled vehicle used a 619cc Java Minor II 3-stroke 20-hp engine. (Picture from: CCK-Brno)

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive design, the Raketa serves as a reminder of the untold stories and hidden gems awaiting discovery, bridging the gap between past aspirations and future possibilities. May its journey inspire a new generation of dreamers and innovators, honoring the spirit of relentless pursuit and daring creativity. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MRSCHARROO | WEBCARSTORY | CCK-BRNO.COM]

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The forerunner electric car of Ford

Echoes of a pure electric powered car sounds like it's crowded in recent years. Moreover, Nissan began selling the Leaf as the world's first mass electric car or because Tesla more "happening" among the actors and actresses of Hollywood, so the attention of the world.

Ford’s electric Comuta Concept had first debuted in Geneve Motor Show 1967. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/1vR8TJY)

Actually, the electric car technology is already there from the 1960s, but its development did not get a good response by the community. The proof, Ford has ever introducing Ford Comuta, as the pure electricity tech two-seater compact concept car in 1967.

Look how small are the size of these two cars of 1967 Ford Comuta battery-powered concept car compared to one normal-sized sedan. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/39sQsWi)

This car is a prototype and equipped with four 12-volt batteries, Comuta able to move as far as 60 km with an average speed of 40 kph in one single charge. It could also be invited to speeding up to 60 kph.

Although still a concept, but the presence of Comuta an authentic proof that electric car technology is not new. Now, a number of automotive manufacturers are still trying to make the technology is proven and reliable.

1967 Ford Comuta Electric Experimental Concept. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/2OKn5qw)

Interestingly, there is a quote of Leonard Crossland, Managing Director of Ford at the time said, "We hope that electric cars can be started commercially viable within the next 10 years, even though we believe in the type of vehicle will be used primarily for introduction in the city car or car shopping in the countryside."

Crossland continued, "The internal combustion engine (conventional) will still be the key for long-distance travel and driving the automotive industry, but we also believe that electric cars have a role discover the future of human transportation future."

After 10 years introduction of Comuta, as is known, no anything about the development of electric cars. But now, almost all manufacturers vying to prepare the electric car to be sold into the market. As an icon of the automotive industry's development history, two units of Ford Comuta is still tucked neatly at the Science Museum of London, in England. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | GIZMAG]

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An Estonian-made classic-style electric three-wheeled vehicle

The electric-powered vehicles are currently being developed as an alternative to the increasingly limited fossilized fuels. While consumers are still less interested in electric vehicles, various carmakers from around the world continue to innovate so that electric vehicles are increasingly glimpsed by consumers.

A cool retro-styled three-wheeled electric vehicle, Nobe 100. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/387IUbH)

One of them is a three-wheeled electric car named the Nobe 100, which is produced by Nobe Cars, an Estonian company. This unique electric-powered microcar was created by Roman Muljar and was inspired by the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller, a 1950s classic German microcar, and VW Beetle. 

Front three-quarter view of Nobe 100. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Yki9fE)

After years in the development processes, and now the car available with two variants (Nobe 100 and 100 GT) and can be ordered online through the company's website on the price ranging of €31,000 for Nobe 100 and €40,000 for Nobe 100 GT.

Left side view of Nobe 100. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Yki9fE)

This microcar is claimed by the maker as the most environmentally friendly car in the world. Because the Nobe 100 car is fully driven by electric power and its sleek and simple body design makes it easy to park and fit into urban life. This Nobe microcar is very different from any other three-wheeled vehicles we've seen before. This is not a motorcycle like Bombardier or a car like Uniti or Elio E1c. Despite sharing classic cues with Morgan's three-wheeled car, the Nobe 100 has a cutie 'neo-retro' design.

A simple dashboard layout of Nobe 100. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/387IUbH)

The Nobe electric-powered car has small dimensions give it a large turning circle and the ability to adjust to small parking spaces. It is classified as a three-wheeled motorcycle and has the same accessibility as a motorcycle. This vehicle is also semi-convertible with a removable hardtop, making it the first three-wheeled EV cabriolet.

Rear three-quarter view of Nobe 100. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Yki9fE)

This tiny cutie car is equipped with 2-batteries, one to drive its all three wheels and the other to power various car's supporting systems such as lights, heaters, and radios. The speed of this environmentally friendly car can reach 110 kph, and also has a suitcase-sized battery at the front of the cabin and can be removed without using any tools.

While inside of the cabin, it has a minimalist design, taking on classic styling such as analog gauges, chrome finished on the switches and door handles as well, and the wooden accents also look adorn the dashboard neatly accompanied a white-colored steering wheel that reminds us to a 1930s classic car. The Nobe's teardrop-shaped-designed microcars can accommodate 3 people in it with space for luggage behind the third passenger.

Despite the fact that it does not emit any exhaust gas, aka zero-emission, also the zero-emission car comes with a reusable part. It can also be upgraded to ensure its longevity. For exceptional handling, the car's battery can be fully charged in 2 hours, but if you are worried about running out of power while on a drive with this car, you even can carry an extra battery. No problem. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NOBE CARS | INDIEGOGO] 

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Here is it the Mini, a legendary cute car from England

Small, unique, classic and classy. That's a little picture of the impression when talking about these British famous car brands. Let's re-trace its history, the beginning story of a car that is often identified with Mr. Bean, a fictional character in the comedy series that aired on television back in the 1990s.

1976 Morris Mini Cooper with Mr. Bean, a fictional character in the comedy TV-series aired back in the 1990s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DDb93Y)

This car production cannot be separated from the Suez Crisis that occurred in the late 1950s. At that time, there's the fuel rationing were imposed for most European countries, including the United Kingdom. To overcome this problem, an automotive company as the merger result between Austin and Morris, the British Motor Corporation (BMC) group planned to make the small, compact and fuel-efficient cars.

Then, Sir Leonard Lord as the CEO of the BMC at the time gave an assignment to Sir Alec Issigonis, who also known as the Morris Minor designer to make the intended-car designs. He started to work in March 1957 and two years later, the car was ready to be produced. Physically, the car has a length, about 3 meters. And in August 1959, this small car was launched into the automotive market. In the early days, this car was called the Austin Mini Seven and Morris Mini-Minor.

1959 Morris Mini-Minor with registration number 621 AOK was the first Mini off the production line to be badged, Morris. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P2NGhV)

After 1969, the names of the Austin and Morris were no longer used, so the official name was the Mini. However, for the international market, the Austin or Morris brands are still used. In addition to the sedan model, there are also other variants, namely the Mini Van, Mini Pick-up, Mini Moke (shaped like a jeep) and Mini Clubman (with a square nose shape). But the most famous is the Mini Cooper.

1969 Morris Mini Cooper. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P2NGhV)

In addition, this car has always been a winner at the Monte Carlo rally, in 1964, 1965 and 1967, and always entered the top three from 1964 to 1968. The winning key of the Mini Cooper lies in the transverse engine layout with the front-wheel-drive system. Even though at that time the concept had never been applied by any automotive manufacturers. With such a layout, the position of its four wheels allows the driving very agile and easy to control.

After being in production almost for 44 years, the company finally ceased its production in the early 2000s. Then the company's shares were acquired by BMW and then the Mini Cooper was replaced by the New Mini design of the BMW team. Since the beginning, the total number of Mini production was around 5.5 million units. This number makes Mini Morris as the best-selling British car in history. In fact, in 2001 the Autocar magazine awarded it the title of the most influential car of the 20th century, defeating the Ford model T and VW Beetle.

Over time, the Mini Cooper underwent design improvements. Such as, its sliding windows were replaced by the wind-up windows. The next change was the use of an 850cc engine which was replaced with 1,000cc, which was then replaced with a 1,275cc engine. Then the carburetor system is replaced with injection and the disc-brake standardization. But uniquely, the basic shape of the Mini barely not changed, there was almost no noticeable change if we compared between the 1959 Mini with the 2000 Mini. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA]

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Another unique and scarce French-made microcar

It can be said if the car is not much different from humans when viewed in terms of size, there are those who have large sizes and some are even small and cute. There are types of vehicles known as microcar that are so small that they only can be used in tandem positition. Not only small in size, but also has a cute design but very adorable when you see it.

1950 Reyonnah prototype microcar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33DgxP4)

Then these cute cars or microcars ever reached their peak in the late 1940s to early 1950s. It recorded, some of the world's automotive manufacturers have ever been made variants of these cute cars such as BMW Isetta, then there're Heinkel Kabine, Messerschmitt KR175, Piaggio Vespa 400, Paul Vallée Chantecler and many others.

Well, have you ever heard or seen the figure of the French-made microcar named Reyonnah Microcar? If not, we will discuss it now. The microcar was originally made by Robert Hannoyer, the owner of an auto repair shop in Paris. Uniquely, the name of the car is taken from the car maker's last name reversed was Reyonnah (the reversed of 'Hannoyer').

1951 Reyonnah production version microcar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Y0OsQP)

The prototype was shown off for the first time at Paris Salon de l'Auto in 1950 (the blue-colored car) while the production version in 1951 (the white-colored one). This cute car shaped like a torpedo has a dimension of length of 2.9 meters and width of only 1.45 meters. Even so narrow, the car's cabin layout is made like a motorcycle, where its passenger sit directly behind the driver.

There is another unique thing, the blue-colored prototype car uses the tub with parallelogram hinges construction and can be folded downwards, so the vehicle can occupies a parking area only 75 cm wide. While the production version (white colored car) settled on, with a hinged convertible roof.

To be able to make it run, this cute car (both prototype and production version) uses a 4-stroke single-cylinder AMC's engine with a displacement of 175cc, and capable of spewing power around 8.5 horsepower. But don't expect to be speeding if you drive in this cute car, because the top speed is only 70 kph!

This cute car is very rare, due to were made in limited numbers. So do not be surprised if at this time, Reyonnah Microcar much sought after by the automotive collectors in the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MICROCAR MUSEUM]

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Kroboth Allwetter Roller has no chance to be grew

When the season changes into wet in the first years after World War II ended, and people want something with a roof. So, people stopped buying motorcycles. And scooters, too. Even though the economy in Western Europe improved rapidly in the 50s, most people were still unable to buy a new car. Especially in Germany which basically rebuilds its infrastructure from scratch. So what is the German need in the wet season in the time? They need a closed scooter.

1955 Kroboth Allwetter Roller while on display. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/347Rwfz)

Luckily there're Willy Messerschmitt started building in a closed scooter with the help of designer Fritz Fend. Shortly thus was born the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller which been sold like a strudel until Willy could not meet the market demand. So, there are holes in the market. But, designing, developing and producing mass cars, even small ones, takes a long time. It needs almost two years in those processes before being sold of microcars in the time. But the market needs somebody to capitalize the most of the wet season as soon as possible. There's one person who tried to take that opportunity was Gustav Kroboth. He was designing a roofed vehicle back in 1953.

1955 Kroboth Allwetter Roller in an advertisement paper. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Wo9k3t)

He started with a simple, but strong central tube frame chassis and then used as many off the shelf parts to finish it off as possible. Front suspension was two transverse leaf springs, with one longitudinal one for the single rear wheel. Like his scooter, it was mid-engined with a 9 horsepower 175 cc Sachs engine mounted behind the driver and in front of the rear wheel. This was the same engine that was then powering the Messerschmitt which meant it was easy to get serviced and find parts for.

1955 Kroboth Allwetter Roller. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34b2Nfp)

Within 3 weeks, he had finished a bare prototype that was ready for testing. He knew he had to distinguish his covered scooter from the Messerschmitt, so he tried as possible to make it look like a real car even though it has only three wheels, and named it Kroboth Allwetter Roller or All-weather Scooter. It also used a ZF steering box, ATE brakes, and a VW windshield. One thing Gustav was particularly proud of was the column-mounted 4-speed shifter. The column shift was all the rage, so this was like being in a full-sized car but without reverse gear anyway. Even with 9 horsepower, its top speed was 46 mph which apparently felt quick on a lightweight chassis like the roofed Kroboth scooter has.

Rearview of 1955 Kroboth Allwetter Roller. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34b2Nfp)

It made its debut, believe it or not, at a hill climb event in Austria where it won its class. Kroboth was certain he had a winner, but the press mocked the little car calling it the product of the 'tinkering of a refugee operation.' Undeterred, Gustav set about making preparations for production. Workers at Kroboth rigorously tested it, driving it over 20,000 kilometers and then taking it apart to check for wear and tear. The handling that had satisfied Gustav when it was a chassis proved pretty squirrely at higher speeds.

After having trouble getting investors to produce it, Gustav finally got it from Fransen and Sohnen, a Dutch bicycle company to make the Kroboth Allwetter Roller in the country. But bad luck returned back when a shipment of a thousand bicycles to India went unpaid, which made the Dutch company have to choose between canceling their offer or going bankrupt, and once again the little roofed Kroboth was forever orphaned. Over the spring and summer of 1955, Gustav Kroboth and his little factory had been built 55 units of Allwetter Roller with the remaining supplies before the factory was shut down permanently.😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MICROCAR MUSEUM | WIKIPEDIA | SCOOTERHOOD | UPOST.INFO] 
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Bizarre self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle back on the roads

Back in 1967, when a unique two-wheeled vehicle called the Gyro-X was built. At that time the prototype was built by a California-based company named Gyro Transport Systems. Physically the vehicle only has two wheels, one in front and one behind which at first glance looks more like a motorcycle than a car. The vehicle utilized a built-in gyroscope able to make it remain upright while on stationary condition or not moving.

Bizarre two-wheeled self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle gave an impressive demonstration at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este near Cernobbio, Italy. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RNWWd)

Even though the car developers initially hoped to take Gyro-X into production, it all faded when the company went bankrupt in the 1970 before the two-wheeled vehicle entered into production lines, and the only one of prototype was orphaned and neglected. Over the past 40 years, the vehicle has moved from one owner to another, which has made its conditions being more worse along the time.

Designer Alex Tremulis with the Gyro-X. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OmoxAh)

The Gyro-X single-seat vehicle was created by a renowned industrial designer named Alex Tremulis. He had previously designed vehicles (the four-wheeled variety) for another big names of American automotives manufacturers such as Cord Automobile, Duesenberg, General Motors, Tucker Car Corporation and Ford, where he worked as Chief of Advanced Styling.

Bizarre self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle takes to the stage (on its two wheels) after winning the Dean Batchelor Trophy at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/338dHSl)

According to an article in the September 1967 issue of Science & Mechanics, a ready-made two-wheeled Gyro-X can drive up to a top speed of 125 mph (201 kph), and could swoop through 40-degree banked turns without tipping. It weighs only 1,850 pounds (839 kg), measured 47 inches (119 cm) in height, only 42 inches (107 cm) in width, and 15 feet,5 inches (4,7 meters) in length. It rolls on two 15-inches wheels, and uses a small engine with power of 80-horsepower.

Its single 20-inch hydraulically-driven gyroscope – developed by noted “gyrodynamist” Thomas O. Summers Jr. – spun at up to 6,000 rpm, creating 1,300 foot pounds (1,763 Nm) of torque. It did take approximately three minutes to build up to that speed, however, meaning that drivers couldn’t just get in and go. A set of training wheel-like retractable outriggers held the vehicle up in the meantime.

Bizarre self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle able to drive up to a top speed of 125 mph (201 kph), and could swoop through 40-degree banked turns without tipping. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2okogmJ)

Now, this bizzare two-wheeled vehicle has been owned by the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, United States since 2011 after it had passed hands several times and many modifications had been done. And finally the museum has successfully carried out a restoration project so that the vehicle condition has been recovered as it was in its hey days in the late 1960s.

Part of the restoration project was involved rebuilding the rear, replacing the two rear wheels with one, according to the original configuration. The missing gyroscope must also be rebuilt from scratch. To handle this, the museum has registered the service of Thrustcycle Enterprises - a company that is currently developing a gyroscopically-stable two-wheeled vehicle, known as SRT. Thrustcycle will also be tasked with rebuilding control and outriggers.

"The gyro people, their thing was that the cars were going to be narrower, they were going to take up half as much room - they will be more fuel efficient, they will be safer because it will be very difficult to flip them over," explained Jeff Lane, director of Lane Motor Museum. "The ideas are good, but I think in reality the gyroscopic part is very complicated and quite expensive... it always works on paper, but it doesn't always work in the workshop. This is a very obscure and strange part of history, but also is a very interesting part of history." he said further.

An impressive demonstration of a fully restored two-wheeled self-balancing 1967 Gyro-X vehicle at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RNWWd)

And finally in 2017 the vehicle was fully restored and exhibited to the public at the the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. And again on this year, the bizarre 1967 Gyro-X two-wheeled vehicle was shown off in front of the world's automotive lovers at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este near Cernobbio, Italy.

See it for yourself on display at the Lane Motor Museum on a normal day. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LANE MOTOR MUSEUM | BUZZ ANYTHING | AUTOWEEK | WIRED | NEW ATLAS]
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A tiny compact urban EV concept from Citroën

Citroën, one of the leading French car manufacturers has confirmed their readiness to present mini electric-powered cars that can be used instead of bicycles and scooters named Ami One Concept.

Ami One Concept - Experience of the urban mobility by Citroën. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KbKU9e)

The car that has a tiny body shape is indeed predicted as a compact vehicle for urban mobility. Ami One Concept was built with a configuration of two passengers with a range of around 100 kilometers. Not only that, this car can only go up to 45 kph.

A red-black colored tiny EV named Ami One Concept (right) posed with Citroën 19_19 Concept (left) while shown at the Citroën booth in the VivaTech 2019 in Paris. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2HLSncs)

Reportedly, this electric-powered car will become a mode of transportation provided by Citroën for the French community. And to be able to use it, you must order it first through a ride-sharing application from a smartphone or computer device.

Interior view of Citroën Ami One Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2I73AnX)

In addition, the car is also equipped with a variety of powerful features in the cabin, ranging from wireless charging to cellphones, then there is a 5-inch screen that serves as a setting panel and a simple interface with voice control. And not to forget, bluetooth speakers that replace conventional stereo systems are also installed in the cabin.

This tiny car has also been displayed alongside the Citroën 19_19 Concept (another sophisticated car from these French auto manufacturer) at the VivaTech 2019 exhibition in Paris.

Citroën still continues to develop these tiny electric powered vehicle, because it still in the concept stage. And it is not yet known whether these green car will be produced or only as a model at the concept stage. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PRESTIGE ELECTRIC CAR&BIKE]

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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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