Let's Talk Cyclecars

1955 Atom:
http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/atom.htm

 

1937 Brauks-8, 735 cc

 

Yep, just found it: 1960 Berkeley T-60 (Microcar)

 

Feeling Frisky?






http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meadows_Frisky

 

1951 Hoffmann microcar:



http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/hoffmann.html

 

thought SAVEM but it matches with Aerocarene 700

 

It's mostly your fault Bob. You and others keep this thread fresh and interesting. You make it worth checking every day. Thanks for your effort.

 

Hello Ned,​

Thank you on detailed explanation, some of that I knew or better said felt, part from experience part from theory. Good to read all that on one place!

Just to add, having half of my experience with mentioned automobiles, with some kind of swing-axles and engines at rear - I was more comfortable with over-steer then later with under-steer driving a few cars with front-engine, front-wheel drive...

Ciao, Zoran​

 

Hello, anybody there? ​

Strange thing happened for the second time: after my message - a week of silence!

Anyway - for the second part of started story: USSR made NAMI-2! Pity that phtos is wihtout good details, and not accompanied with phtos of auto with body...
It seems that independent suspension (swing-axles) and tubular chassis weren't so rare in Europe in period from late twenties to early thirties and later: good base for light and cheap auto for people (known later as volks-wagen – the word that was used a few times before Ferdinand P. “invented” it with his friend Adolf H.)

Ciao, Zoran
​

 

... corection: I found drawing, if not a photo of automobiles NAMI-1 and NATI-2...
(different names are because of chaning the name of Institute which developed prototypes)
Zoran

 

Easily my favorite thread on the HAMB thanks to fascinating contributions by Bob, UKAde Ned etc. I look forward to the next 6000 posts.
Anyone have more info on the Constantinesco. Looks like an interesting motor.

Kume

 

Hello Kume,
from Internet:
"Constantinesco engine
The inspiration behind the car was Constantinesco's 1923 invention of the "oscillating masses" mechanical torque converter, which replaced clumsy gear shifting with a smooth, highly efficient, continuously variable transmission. The transmission ratio was determined by the oscillation of a pendulum, the extent of the oscillations being determined by the pendulum's mass, ingenious attachment, and dimensions in combination with the torque and speed of the engine and of the road wheels. An oscillating masses torque converter can eliminate entire complex geared automotive transmissions with their jerky shifting, added weight and low efficiency. Compared to a similar car with a gear based transmission, Constantinesco's needed a substantially smaller engine, was lighter overall, and was much more fuel efficient. In the car, the mechanical torque converter was embodied in a 494 cc twin-cylinder two-stroke engine of his own design, where it was mounted between the engine's cylinders.


The car was built in Paris with the gearbox (on the rear axle for forward, neutral and reverse) built in England. It was exhibited at the 1926 Paris Motor Show but only a few were made. General Motors signed a "lucrative" royalty agreement to manufacture the torque converters, giving Constantinesco a $100,000 advance on royalties -- but didn't make any, leaving the inventor deeply in debt and the mechanical torque converter sidelined.

 

Thanks Motoklas.
I just acquired 3 volumes of Cars & motorcycles (1929) edited by Lord Montagu - great reading - had a photo of the Constantinesco. Should have thought to google it. Sounds absolutely fascinating.
Kume

 

Incredible. This 1914 GN Cyclecar went for over $100k at auction in Hershey.

 

http://www.prewarcar.com/magazine/previous-features/a-1914-gn-returns-home-024527.html

 

Hello there,​

Interesting films from fifites.
The first is about transforming of ordinary old Austin-7 into hot special:

... and, the second with a few specials at trial, around the middle of the film:

Ciao, Zoran​

 

...and, film about Shelsley Walsh in Gloucestershire, year 1946:

It looks as Alec Issigonis in a "Lightweight Special" at the begining of the film?
Rainy day, great public, drivers mostly without helmets...
Zoran

 

Thanks motoklas - Fantastic viewing - I particularly enjoyed the Austin ad - reminded me a bit of my childhood

 

Does anyone have info or pics of the 1099 motors fitted to these?

 

Here's a few pics for you to peruse......

 

Thanks Gasballoon. What a fascinating wee motor. I want one!
I have only just stumbled on a reference to these early Lagonda's - never new they existed.
Do you know if they had any success in competition.

 

The most wild and innovative cars I have ever seen in this thread, just amazing.

 

Not much to report progress-wise on the Airhead Roadster build as I spent most of the summer building custom motorcycles for friends.

I did get a chance to mock up a few of the bits I've gathered for the build and was able to make a few decisions with regard to the overall proportions of the car. Decided to keep the exhaust above the cylinders and have them exit on either side just in front of the cockpit so I can make a full-length belly pan for the underside of the car. I picked a spot for the fuel tank that should provide adequate flow to the carbs, minimal fuel sloshing and a bit of impact protection in the event of a fender bender. Also made decisions about airflow with regard to fresh air intake and expelling hot engine compartment air. We have annual safety inspections here in Hawaii, so I'll be making front and rear bumpers for the car which I've started designing. Hopefully things will cool off this winter so I can spend more time in the garage.

Thanks everyone for your input and contributions to this thread. It is by far one of my favorites!

 

Hello Kume,
Quite interesting engine from later famous company! Strange that they mentioned only inlet OHV, but what was with exhaust valves? Probably still standing in block: inlet over exhaust valve?
Ciao, Zoran

 

Hello AH,​

Wonderful automobile you build! Nice balanse of engine, transmission and chassis...
Hope that you will soon have more work on it. Probably that you mentioned before, but I forgot: what is the chassis as the base for your creation?

Cioa, Zoran​

 

Here's the URL to the Car & Driver roadtest of a Harley-powered deuce 5/8ths deuce roadter that was produced for awhile: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/jaxports-streetster-specialty-file

 

Zoran
yes a very interesting little motor. I think essex used a similar set up quite successfully in the early 20s with inlet over exhaust.
Kume

 

Inlet over exhaust was also called an 'F' Head type of cylinder. It was pretty common in the early days, especially on single and twin bike engines. Early on the inlet was just atmospheric. You needed a removable plug over the exhaust valve so you could pull it out for cleaning/grinding. The early cylinders were often one piece castings that bolted to an aluminum crankcase. No removable heads. The challenge with overhead inlet valves and the exhaust in the flathead or L head position is cooling. As you can see on the Lagonda, there is no water cooling around the inlet valve. The valve probably comes off with the aluminum inlet manifold, allowing access to the exhaust valve. Neat stuff.

 

Hello Jon,​

Now, that is real modern reincarnation of sporting cyclecar! Simple chassis, light body, powerful motorcycle engine, and - cute! Pity that couldn't be found more photos of chassis and construction components.

Ciao, Zoran​

P.S.: Correction, I found a few photos of that Streetster that is now for sale, and a pair of photos (yellow roadster) with similar one...

​

 

...photos dissapeared! I will try again!