Unique pre-war streamlined three-wheeler record breaker

We can see the pre-war period (around the 1930s) as one of the milestones in which has recorded that automotive technology experienced significant progress after the automotive industry players at that time began implementing aerodynamic principles to support the speed and stability of motorized vehicles when running on the street or on the race track.

No, it’s not a car, neither a computer mouse. It's a three-wheeled vehicle named Auto-Union DKW-Kahrman 600cc made in 1935. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2E0h8Uk)

Indeed, at that time, the world's automotive was also in the middle of the excitement of competing with each other to be the fastest on the racing track. And then it triggered competition among major countries in the world's automotive, especially in mainland Europe and America. And one of the countries that are also competing and the most ambitious is Germany.

The black & white photo colorized of the 1935 Auto-Union DKW-Kahrman 600cc. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2E0h8Uk)

In this country, the motorized vehicle racing euphoria also invited interference from the political forces in power at that time to influence and steer the automotive industry in there to create the fastest vehicle to fulfill the ruler's ambition to be the best in the world. By 1934, Hitler and his propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels were eager to use all aspects of international sporting activity in service of their fascist state, which included car and motorcycle racing.

A very rare photograph of Adolf Hitler inspecting the DKW factory. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZDcdjS)

BMW and DKW were the two-companies benefitted from the huge money flow supplied by the Nazi government, and both factories used the money boost to make radical technical changes to their cars and motorcycles. DKW was part of Auto Union by 1932, a German giant automotive manufacturer, with DKW by then the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

As all we know, the Auto Union racing cars were one of the most powerful and exotic GP cars ever, and their competition with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo is straight in line with the DKW motorcycle story. BMW at the same time developed their 328 sports-racer, an incredibly competent and beautifully designed car, considered an all-time classic.

Looking like a letter to the future, the DKW streamlined record-breaker without its canopy, which badly affected handling​. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZDcdjS)

As a logical consequence of receiving Hitler's cash at that time, the racing teams and record-breaking of the two manufacturers were under the control and supervision of the Nazi government, so it is not surprising that their drivers and riders in mandatory wore and used various Nazi attributes. So that it gives the impression to the rivals that they are all Nazis. Although in fact, not all of them were supporters of the Nazi fascist government.

The DKW streamlined-shape designed record-breaker three-wheeler without its canopy, while stopped on the pitstop​. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZDcdjS)

It seemed as if there was an agreement between BMW and DKW at that time to stay off each other's racing turf, as DKW focused on 250cc and 350cc GP racing and record-breaking, while BMW concentrated on 500cc racing and absolute World Speed Records.

At the time, BMW is perhaps better known for their BMW WR750 speed record motorcycles in 1936, while DKW as equally at the forefront of the new science of streamlining and engine development, having pioneered the Schnurle-loop scavenge system on their two-stroke engines, and the use of superchargers with twin-piston combustion chambers, so the blowers didn't simply push the fuel mix straight out the exhaust pipe.

The 1935 Auto-Union DKW-Kahrman 600cc with its full streamlined bodywork​. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZDcdjS)

It is known as well that at that time DKW was developing record-breaking racing vehicles with 250cc and 350cc engines alongside their Auto Union GP cars. The vehicle has appeared in a fabulously compelling bodywork with astonishing speed and sophistication, as it was developed in a wind tunnel (something they could afford with Nazi cash).

The BMW three-wheeled record-breaker with its full streamlining, which was more stable than the DKW bodywork​​. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZDcdjS)

Uniquely, there's a vehicle made by DKW in the three-wheeled vehicle platform. It is not known whether it is included in one of the categories of vehicle classes that are competed in addition to motorbikes (two-wheeled vehicles) and cars (four-wheeled vehicles). 

It seems later than BMW (broke the agreement for a while) by developing an almost similar three-wheeled vehicle with an airplane-shaped design and is believed to be more stable than the DKW model. But unfortunately, it isn't known whether all of these future look three-wheeled vehicles are able to complete its mission to break the records.😉 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CAR-DAY.RU | THEVINTAGENT.COM | TRIUMPHTALK.COM]

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This three-wheeler was ahead of its time, but nobody wants it

Traffic congestion is not a new problem for modern people living in urban areas nowadays only, it has emerged and has been a problem for a long time. So that many solutions have been tried to solve this, apart from public transport and carpooling, is by creating alternative motorized vehicles that are in a compact (small) size but reliable as a means of daily transportation.

1957 Jurisch Motoplan, a tiny three-wheeler prototype designed by a German engineer named Carl Jurisch. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)

Like that we can currently see in the form of the small-sized vehicles from Lit Motors to the new single-seat vehicle designs are being worked on by the Japanese carmaker giants like Toyota right now. Turns out that the idea is not new, it could be seen in the figure of a charming one-seater three-wheeler made in 1957.

Only three prototypes of the 1957 Jurisch Motoplan have ever been built, and only one of them has survived. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)

The vehicle in question is the 'Motoplan,' a single-seater three-wheeler is designed and built by a German engineer named Carl Jurish who believes that single-seat vehicles are the future of transportation. Besides being a talented engineer, it turns out he is also a motorcycle racer.

Previously, he had built his own motorcycle from scratch at the age of 23, as well as witnessed automobiles becoming immensely popular in post-war Germany. Then he looked for ways to redesign a car to make it more like a motorcycle. This futuristic vehicle appears with a full of innovative quirky designs.

1957 Jurisch Motoplan uses a 173 cc single-cylinder Heinkel engine and put out just under 10hp coupled with 4-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)

Yes, the vehicle was built by using an old motorcycle sidecar. Instead of a steering wheel, it had handlebars that looked more like controls on an airplane. Due to its really small size, so there is no room to pin a regular fuel tank, Jurisch designed the tank to be mounted at the back and pop up. Then the engine is installed openly like a puzzle box, with a canopy, tail unit, seat, and fuel tank that swivels up for easy access.

1957 Jurisch Motoplan can reach speeds of 55 miles per hour (88.51 kph) and presumably got good gas mileage as well. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)

Only three prototypes have ever been built, and only one of them has survived. It uses a 173 cc single-cylinder Heinkel engine and put out just under 10hp coupled with 4-speed manual gearbox. When we talk about its performance, it can reach speeds of 55 miles per hour (88.51 kph) and presumably got good gas mileage as well. However, You could not hope it runs nimbly on the highway, due to it might look like a turtle in there.😆

1957 Jurisch Motoplan did not succeed in getting the attention of the automotive industry to produce it, because they thought the design was not attractive enough. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)

When it was just finished, the designer took the prototype to a popular German auto magazine and asked them to take a look, but all he got was ridicule. Then Jurisch had also sent the car to a motorcycle dealer in New York, hoping to get better results.
But Americans preferred big-sized car models with tailfins, and even automotive advertising scripts at the time emphasized car length as a selling point. It seemed that 1957 was not the best time to sell tiny cars. Sadly, nobody wants Motoplan and no one was interested in their designs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FASTCOMPANY.COM]

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Little Dicky with Ducati engine

So, if you have enough free time, then try typing a keyword, "Dick Tricycle" into the Google search. And see what came after that? There is a French-made three-wheeled vehicle picture with no other information about it.

Dick Tricycle is a tiny antique three-wheeler on display at the 2019 Salon Rétromobile in Paris. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31zKylf)

This unique vehicle model called Dicky Tricycle is made by a Paris-based coachbuilder company named Dick. In the early 1950s, the company dressed it with a three-wheeled platform and a small two-door body. However, it is not known exactly how many of these tiny three-wheelers were made by this French company.

Dick Tricycle is built by the Paris-based coachbuilder named Dick back in 1952. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YDTjc9)

Its power comes from Ducati's horizontal 4-stroke 175cc single-cylinder engine. The engine drives a single rear wheel by transmitting power via an automatic transmission system coupled with a hydraulic torque converter and centrifugal clutch.

Dick Tricycle uses a Ducati's horizontal 4-stroke 175cc single-cylinder engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YDTjc9)

In the cabin, this three-wheeled vehicle can accommodate two people in a tandem position (the passenger sits behind the driver). Finally, this cutie vehicle was exhibited in its original condition for auction at the 2019 Salon Rétromobile which was held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. As quoted from Artcurial.com, the cutie antique three-wheeler sold at a price of €10,728 (approx. US. $12,688 or Rp.186 million) at the event. 

Dick Tricycle is offered from €10,000 to €15,000 at the 2019 Salon Rétromobile and sold at a price of €10,728. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YDTjc9)

Most definitely modernized and restored in the past, now presented in a less fit condition. In order to restore and maintain the vehicle into good condition, and overall mechanical repair is to be expected. This original and charming three-wheeler will attractive, also delight its future owner in many ways with its rarity status and signature Italian engine. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARTCURIAL.COM | CLASSICCARWEEKLY.NET | PIXAUTO.NET | INVALUABLE.COM | CHALLENGES.FR]

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The world's most weird three-wheeler ever

If we look closely, there are so many strange vehicles that have been made. Yes, it is very strange or unexpected and might make us think for a moment, why the automotive manufacturer can make it? Like this antique three-wheeled vehicle under Scoot Sociable brand made by a Bradford-based automotive company named Scott Autocar Company.

1921 Scoot Sociable Tricar is the world's most weird three-wheeler ever. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fXk0hR)

How could it not be strange? If the conventional way to make a three-wheeled vehicle is by positioning 2 wheels at the front or back and the other wheel mounted in the center at the other, right? However, the British auto manufacturer made it with slightly different construction, ie by positioning 2 wheels in parallels like a motorcycle and the other is like the sidecar wheel positioned.

The construction of Scoot Sociable Tricar by positioning 2 wheels in parallels like a motorcycle and the other is like the sidecar wheel positioned. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fXk0hR)

This is understandable because Scott Sociable is basically a brand of motorcycles and sidecars for military purposes. Or in other words, it could be said this three-wheeler once a military purposed motorbike and sidecar that designed to carry heavy guns which then is converted into a civilian version and draped in a car body.

Blue-print images of Scoot Sociable Tricar construction detail. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fXk0hR)

As a result, after the brand made a three-wheeled vehicle, suddenly it looks weird as if unstable. If you are still confused then the fastest way to understand this unusual three-wheeler is to see it as a motorcycle with sidecar were draped in a car body.

1921 Scoot Sociable Tricar was powered by Scott’s own built 578cc water-cooled, two-cylinder, two-stroke engine linked to a 3 speed gearbox with no reverse. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3j9in2u)

It was powered by the company’s own built 578cc water-cooled, two-cylinder, two-stroke engine linked to a 3-speed gearbox with no reverse. The car itself had a wooden body mounted on a steel chassis.

These unusual look vehicles debuted at the 1920 Olympia Motorcycle Show and built between 1921 and 1925. But seems was no success, probably due to its inherent layout considered unstable and odds. However, during the periods, as many as 110 or so were sold of which 5 still remain. Unfortunately, the company folded in 1925.😢

In our opinion, it was worthy to be one of the weirdest three-wheelers ever. What do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PROGRESS | THEPETROLSTOP.COM]

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The cutest microcars of the 20th centuries

The tiny-little cars aka microcars had booming moments and experienced a surge in demand shortly after World War II ended. At that time, many beautiful to weird-shaped microcars were popping up on the streets.

1953 Gaitán Auto-Tri, an egg-shaped microcar by a Seville-based manufacturer named Construcciones Gaitán, SL looks different from the company's other prototypes due to applying the reversed wheels-layout and has no front-grill. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3kAYZgn)

Despite being a reliable and affordable means of transportation, it also creates a unique view because of its unusual and strange shape. Here are some microcars that appeared in that era and have unique and strange looks.

1. Davis D-2 Divan

This odd three-wheeled and two-door sedan was the brainchild of used-car salesman Glen Gordon "Gary" Davis largely based upon "The Californian", a custom three-wheeled roadster built by future Indianapolis 500 racing car designer Frank Kurtis for Southern Californian millionaire and racer Joel Thorne.

1948 Davis D2 Divan, an odd three-wheeled and two-door sedan was the brainchild of used-car salesman Glen Gordon "Gary" Davis. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3gQuroq)

The microcars were built between 1947 and 1949 by Davis Motorcar Company. This unique microcar uses a 47 hp four-cylinder engine but later changed to a 63 hp four. The manufacture of this microcar began in 1947 with 2 prototypes. Only 13 Divans (including the two prototypes) were ever built, of which 12 have survived. The car featured aircraft-inspired styling details as well as disc brakes, hidden headlights, and built-in jacks.

2. Mochet Type K

This microcar was built by Automobiles Mochet, a French Puteaux-based manufacturer starting in 1947 and sold until 1949. This Type-K car is said to be the company's first car to have metal bodywork (although the doors are wooden) but retained mechanical features of the previous version (Type -H).

1948 Mochet Type K was built by Automobiles Mochet, a French's Puteaux-based manufacturer starting in 1947 and sold until 1949. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ivQvoY)

This microcar uses a Zurcher 125cc 2-stroke engine coupled to a separate 3-speed gearbox. And it is estimated that at that time these odd-shaped microcars were made of 650 units.

3. Champion CH-2

There're 11 units of these cutie microcars that were ever made in 1949 by Hermann Holbein Fahrzeugbau in Ulm, Germany. Perhaps 2 of these original CH-2 models survive today. These micro-cars are largely using motorcycle parts, such as tires and Triumphs 5 hp engines. The CH-2 was designed by Hermann Holbein, a former development engineer of BMW before WWII and an Albert Maier, an engineer of the gear-maker ZF Company in 1949.

1949 Champion CH-2 was built largely using motorcycle parts, such as tires and Triumphs 5 hp engines. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3aj85JZ)

Unfortunately, Holbein was an engineer and not a businessman and soon became overwhelmed with all the details and keep suppliers and partners happy. When the first cars developed transmission problems, he recalled them all for repair.

4. Rolux VB60 Baby

This unique microcar was built from 1949 to 1951 by Societé Rolux, a French's Clermont-Ferrand based manufacturer. At that time the manufacturer made as many as 400 units of this cutie car.

1950 Rolux VB60 Baby uses a 125 cubic-centimeter Ydral engine which drove the left rear wheel via a cardan shaft. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30OwiVx)

The microcar uses a 125 cubic-centimeter Ydral engine which drove the left rear wheel via a cardan shaft. The small car measured 105 inches in length and was held in place by a leaf spring suspension. The body consisted of a steel-framed folding windshield, roadster body, and pointed rear fenders. 

5. Biscúter

1950 Biscúter was designed by Gabriel Voisin and one of the most popular cutie cars in Spain during the 1950s. The name Biscúter (Biscooter) implied that it was about the size of two scooters or also could be said as a scooter with four wheels. Uniquely, the microcar has no doors or windows or even reverse gear, uses a 1 cylinder, 197 cc, two-stroke motor produced 9 horsepower (7 kW), had a crank starter, and drove only the right front wheel.

1950 Biscúter was designed by Gabriel Voisin and one of the most popular cutie cars in Spain during the 1950s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2PMK4kW)

The microcar manufactured in Barcelona, Spain by Auto Nacional, SA. and the first car never had a formal model name and was called simply the Series 100, but it soon became known as the Zapatilla, or little shoe (clog), after a low-heeled peasant slipper popular at the time. 

6. Allard Clipper

This is an English 3-wheeler produced by Allard Motor Company from 1952 to 1954. Microcars are also known as lightweight sports cars, due to the bodywork made of fiberglass and used the rear-mounted Villiers 24B 346 cc (21.1 cu in) single-cylinder two-stroke motorcycle engine drives the rear left wheel via a Burman gearbox and chain.

1952 Allard Clipper was an English 3-wheeler which uses a rear-mounted Villiers 24B 346 cc (21.1 cu in) single-cylinder two-stroke motorcycle engine drives the rear left wheel via a Burman gearbox and chain. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2PMK4kW)

The car was designed by David Gottlieb and advertised as having an "indestructible" plastic body, made by Hordern-Richmond Ltd; the Clipper was the first car to have a color-impregnated fiberglass body. It seats three adults on a bench seat and two children in optional dickey seats revealed when the rear boot is opened. 

7. Gaitán Auto-Tri

Actually not much information related to this microcar. What is known is that this car was produced by a Seville-based motorized-vehicle manufacturer company named Construcciones Gaitán SL. This Spaniard-made microcar has an egg-like shape made of aluminum with a three-wheel layout (two wheels at the front and one behind). This microcar is made in various models and one even functions as an ambulance.

This three-wheeled car was first shown to the public in November 1953 in Seville. But unfortunately, as quoted from autopasion18, this microcar was never commercialized but had a chance to grab its heydays as can you see in a Spanish documentary film of the 1953 above. From this source, it is also stated that this microcar had made a trip to Barcelona in 1955, and that was somekind an introduction attempt of the microcar to the people there. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | IO9 GIZMODO | DIVAN | MOCHET | CHAMPION | ROLUX | BISCOOTER | CLIPPER | GAITAN]
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A unique three-wheeler of BMW?

As we all know, there are a lot of three-wheeled vehicles made by a number of automotive companies in the world such as Campagna T-Rex, Polaris Slingshot, and others. Yes, unique vehicles like this usually appear as a combination of a car and a motorcycle.

1997 BMW Modulo Car M89, a bizarre combination of the car and motorcycle will leave you scratching Your head. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)

But among the many similar vehicles, there is one model that was previously not widely known by the public. Yes, recently in Italy found a three-wheeled vehicle which is appeared as a combination of car and motorcycle that are said to be made by BMW, one of the German automotive giant companies.

1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 while on display at an Italian auto dealer and listed up for sale by Autovergiate F.lli Rossi Srl. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)

As quoted from Rideapart.com, the blue-silver painted vehicle is known as the Modulo Car M89, which is described as a unique-shaped three-wheeler vehicle is built in 1997 by the German auto manufacturer and uses a powertrain taken from the BMW K75 (an old motorcycle produced by the company between 1985 and 1995). Unfortunately, there isn't much detailed information about this vehicle.

1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 has simple a steering wheel, gas pedal, brake, and clutch, plus a manual transmission shifter sticking to the right of the steering wheel. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)

Even so, it seems that the unique three-wheeled vehicle is able to present a pleasant sensation while drove it (although not mentioned whether it was a road-legal vehicle). And in June 2020 this unique vehicle was on display at an Italian auto dealer and listed up for sale by Autovergiate F.lli Rossi Srl at a price of € 38,000 or around Rp.612 million.

1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 applies a tandem seating layout like a jet fighter which able to accommodate 2 passengers inside the cockpit. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)

As quoted from Carscoops, this unique three-wheeled vehicle uses a 740 cc three-cylinder engine that can produce around 75 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque which is then channeled through a 5-speed manual transmission system to drive its rear wheel. When compared with ordinary motorbikes, of course, the weight of this vehicle is heavier, so it has a different speed.

1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 uses a 740 cc three-cylinder BMW K75 engine that can produce around 75 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)

Uniquely, this vehicle applies a tandem seating layout like a jet fighter. Then to control this unique vehicle does not use a handlebar, but a steering wheel, gas pedal, brake, and clutch like a car, plus there is a manual transmission shifter sticking to the right of the steering wheel.

The exterior design looks unique like most other three-wheeled vehicles. The front bumper has a proportion of sports cars with low posture. Besides that, there is also a very thin and glass-clad cockpit that looks harmonious with the shape of the front fascia. While at the rear section mounted only one wheel, and there you will also notice dual exhausts and various air intakes that function to cool the engine. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOVERGIATE.IT | CARSCOOPS | RIDEAPART.COM]

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Seeing the Bouffort's unique design vehicles

In the early days of the automotive technology pioneering era around the 1930s to 1940s, engineers were competing to make various inventions related to motor vehicles. Starting from the discovery and development of machines to the design of the vehicle itself.

A streamlined tadpole three-wheeled vehicle was one of the aviation world inspired creations designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort and built by Jamin Meaux. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2C87QVd)

And one of them is like what was done by a French aeronautical engineer named Victor-Albert Bouffort. Well, shortly after World War II was ended when the world's economy stagnated and difficult. But, turned out he managed to design and build some pretty crazy cars.

The Bouffort designed three-wheeler vehicle prototype model was introduced in 1947 and powered by a Citroën Traction Avant 11 CV drivetrain. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ivld2i)

In the time, he built some kind weird-shaped vehicles that might be made everybody should be turning their head while seen it pass through. The first was the stunning streamlined three-wheeler based on a Citroën Traction-Avant. And there were three of these were actually built and each has slightly different shapes.

And there were three of these were actually built and each has slightly different shapes. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ivld2i)

In the '50s, he shifted his attention to microcars creating his most famous car, the Peardrop which he felt would revolutionize city transportation. Like most attempts at the time, it didn't catch on, but here's some amazing footage of it driving around London. The way the roof bubble articulates is beautiful.

This Bouffort designed three-wheeler vehicle was exceptionally streamlined with its long mudguards and aerodynamic body featuring gull-wing doors and seating for two side by side. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3f6P2US)

He tried a few more plastic-bodied microcar designs with fascinating results. None made it to production, so he tried turning a Peugeot 403 into a handsome roadster. It was well-received, but only two examples were built. Interestingly, the front windscreen is actually the rear window of a Studebaker.

The Bouffort Peardrop minicar designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort in 1952. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Z2tC5F)

His only real success at a vehicle was a dandy. The Valmobile was a scooter that folded into a suitcase-sized package. Around 100,000 were actually built. The unique foldable scooter produced in Japan and sold worldwide, and the 75 lbs machine was kind of an adaptation of folding bikes previously only made for military use.

The Bouffort Enville minicar with a boxy style designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort in 1955 (with the Peardrop model). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Z2tC5F)

Bouffort thought an easily stored scooter would be embraced by city-dwellers and he was right. Although I think a lof people bought them for the novelty. No front suspension and a tiny motor and wheels meant they were a little scary to ride. But, you could get a sidecar.

A roadster designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort in 1957. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZHUkzz)

Besides the foldable scooter above, Bouffort unique-shaped cars continued, by the launching of the Lohr Fardier, a small utility four-wheel drive vehicle used by the French military in the time. At the time, he had become increasingly aware of traffic congestion in cities such as Paris and decided to do something about it. 

A unique foldable scooter called 'Valmobile' designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort and produced in Japan during the 1960s to 1970s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZHUkzz)

Bouffort and his friend, novelist Henri Viard, observed that most cars only carried one or two passengers. Their idea was to design a small car for city dwellers – two-seat vehicles whose length was no more than the width of a more traditional car.

1970 Lohr Fardier FL 500, a small utility four-wheel drive vehicle designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort for the French military. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZHUkzz)

These small cars would be fitted with relatively powerful engines so they could keep up with traffic. The prototype for the “Minima”, as it was called, featured a tubular chassis, composite bodywork, sliding doors, luggage space in the rear, and a 30 hp engine from the Citroën 2CV that helped it reach a top speed of 120 kph (75 mph).

These small cars named 'Minima' designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort and featured a tubular chassis, composite bodywork, sliding doors, luggage space in the rear, and a 30 hp engine from the Citroën 2CV that helped it reach a top speed of 120 kph (75 mph). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BzWMQO)

The Minima was introduced to the public in a dazzling display at the 1973 Salon de l’Automobile, with the show car displayed on the 56th floor of Paris’ brand-new Montparnasse Tower. However, it garnered very little interest and plans for its mass production were canceled. The French brilliant engineer Victor-Albert Bouffort died in 1995 at the age of 83. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OPPOSITELOCK | LANEMOTORMUSEUM | HEMMINGS]

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It's not a cartoonish-made vehicle

As we all know that the period after the end of the 2nd World War is described as a difficult time. Yes, in the first years after the war ended, the world economy was destroyed and stagnant. So, can be explained briefly, at that time people couldn’t afford to buy a car.

1947 Volugrafo 'Bimbo 46,' a small-sized car made by a Turin-based Officine Meccaniche Volugrafo. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VZO1pg)

This then triggered the birth of many brilliant out of the box ideas, for the sake of the creation of a four-wheeled vehicle that was affordable by the people at that time. And one of them is a four-wheeled vehicle made by an Italian company named Officine Meccaniche Volugrafo.

Donald Duck's character drives speed a red car in a scene of Walt Disney's cartoon series. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2W3QPBx)

Of course, the name of the Turin-based company is very closely related to the birth of the pioneer scooter design for Fiat, another Italian automotive company in 1938. Just for information, the Fiat prototype scooter was present (but never been massed-production) long before the Piaggio and Innocenti scooters made.

Front view of an Italian-made louse-likened cutie car called 1947 Volugrafo 'Bimbo 46'. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VZO1pg)

Back to the louse-likened cutie car, it was called the Volugrafo "Bimbo 46". Even though it seems to have just jumped off the page of a comic book or cartoon movie, it was not drawn by cartoonists. It was one of the four-wheeled vehicles designed after World War II ended to meet the needs of the many people who yearned for movement but couldn’t afford much.

Interior view of an Italian-made louse-likened cutie car called 1947 Volugrafo 'Bimbo 46'. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VZO1pg)

Seeing a photo of it, at first, you might think it is a scale model or toy. Or maybe you've ever watched the Walt Disney's Donald Duck cartoon series, wherein some scenes in the film, Donald Duck was seen riding an almost similar-shaped car while traveling around. But in fact, this is a real car and has nothing to do with the cartoon series.

Left side view of an Italian-made louse-likened cutie car called 1947 Volugrafo 'Bimbo 46'. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VZO1pg)

The cutie car designed by Claudio Belmondo and made by Volugrafo in 1946. The cutie car equipped with a 125cc four-stroke engine has no doors and no reverse (if needed, you get out and maneuver the car). With a weight of around 125 kg, this car is relatively light for the size of a four-wheeled vehicle and can run up to a top speed of 60 kph.

An ad-brochure of 1947 Volugrafo 'Bimbo 46'. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VZO1pg)

This cutie car has a length of only two meters, equipped with two seats, four pedals (brakes, accelerator, clutch, and kick-starter), stick shift at the driver’s left, one driving wheel, and chain drive. Instead of shock absorbers, it uses simple leaf springs to make bumpy rides feel a bit more comfortable.

And when you drive on it, then an unexpected and fun sight will be shown while rides along a country-side road. You might look like a movie star is on the action in a cartoon movie. 😄 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALIAN WAYS]
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