We know what you’re thinking. No, this is not a motorized Bologna slicer. It’s a French creation, and it was an epic fail (like that’s a surprise).
As it turns out the French believed that propellers were going to be the propulsion method for just about everything. Back in the earlier part of the 20th century the French were the leaders in aviation technology and this was not the only propeller car that came down the pike. It is however, one of the only surviving examples.
This particular car was built as a prototype by an engineer who was looking for someone to buy the design and mass produce it. Earlier manufacturers of such vehicles produced a few dozen cars but never really got mainstream traction. We suspect there were a couple major reasons: the massive amount of noise produced and the horrific winds funneled toward the occupants of the open car. The rocks, dirt, rain, snow, and small birds would be rocketed toward your leather-helmeted noggin.
This particular car weighs about 1,000 pounds, is equipped with rear steering, and according to one account we read, can actually go as fast as 75 mph. Imagine passing someone on the interstate with this thing at that speed!
The Helicron was stuck in the back of a barn for decades before seeing the light of day again and being restored. It now sits on display (and is brought out for occasional use) at the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. Hit the video to see this thing moving under its own power.
Oh those wacky French.
good luck finding a back-up girl for that thing!! ha
I live near Nashville and have been to the Lane museum. It’s chock full of all kinds of wacky European stuff. Not really my cup of tea but absolutely worth the trip considering the odd and eclectic collection. I have to give him credit for keeping this place going on a shoestring budget.
Sacrebleu!
The Ultimate bug, bird and small child eater!!! And it needs larger wings.
I think Jay Leno has one of these things. Very impractical. Just about like everything else the French have made.
Nothing like having bugs flung at your face at triple the speed your are moving. Tasty.
Only the French could have an idea that stupid.
….so that’s where the term “wind-screen” comes from…
FRANKLIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A race-ready version would probably 60-foot in about 30 seconds!
Hitting an animal or pedestrian would be VERY messy.
The French certainly have a different way of thinking.