Helicron (automobile)
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| Helicron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Helicron |
| Production | 1932 (one prototype) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Propeller car |
| Body style | Open-wheel car |
| Platform | Rosengart chassis |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Four-stroke two-cylinder (original engine became lost, used GS flat-4 after barn find) |
| Transmission | Non-existent |
| Dimensions | |
| Curb weight | 454 kg (1,000 lb) |
The Helicron is an open-wheel car that used a propeller as its drive. The Helicron was abandoned in the late 1930s, but was restored after its barn find in 2000.[1] In the same year, the car was permitted by the French government to drive on the French roads.[2]
The car currently resides in the Lane Motor Museum and is on display, as a concept car.[1] It is also possible to find one Helicron in the Automobile and Fashion Museum of Málaga, Spain.
The car was found at a barn in 2000, and was sent to restoration, the wood frame was sandblasted and treated to mint condition, the steering gear was rebuilt, and the interior was upholstered.[1] Every part that was damaged were replaced with the same original ones. However, the engine was searched for by the people who found the barn, but were unsuccessful, and ultimately decided to use a Citroën GS flat-four engine as the motor for the propeller.[1]
Design
The car's design was completely distinctive from the regular cars at the time. The car's Rosengart chassis was flipped 180 degrees, which meant significant modifications were required. This also meant the steering was at the rear wheels. The throttle pedal is non-existent, but instead is in the form of a lever, where you have to pull down to increase the RPM of the engine, and pull up to slow the engine. The lever is free, which means the lever can be at any position, and the RPM will be at a certain level. The lever was placed on the left, beside the steering wheel. The emergency brake was placed on the left side, where the sideskirt was. The car still has a brake pedal. The propeller is placed in front of the car.