Thread: 1932 Helicron No. 1 of 1

No need for air conditioning!! I'd roll it!



This car was built in France in 1932. Following the First World War it was not uncommon for recently displaced airplane engines to look towards the burgeoning automobile industry for more lucrative employment. As in this example, a few entrepreneurs developed propeller-powered cars with the notion that a propeller was an efficient means of moving a vehicle. This one-of-a-kind, propeller driven car was discovered in a barn in France in 2000, having been placed there by the original owner in the late 1930's.

It was completely rebuilt but many of the mechanical components are original, including the frame, wire wheels, dashboard, steering wheel, steering gear, brake pedal, light switch, headlights, and the type plate.

The wood frame was sandblasted and treated, the steering gear was rebuilt, and the interior was upholstered. The car steers with the rear wheels and only those wheels have springs. It is currently equipped with a Citroen GS engine with the propeller coupled directly to the crankshaft.

This Helicron passed the French safety inspection in 2000 and is approved for use on the roads. When the wooden propeller is spinning at full rpm, this little 1,000-pound boat-tailed skiff can hit freeway speeds exceeding 75 mph. As you might expect, this is the one and only Helicron in existence.



1932 Helicron at Lane Motor Museum - YouTube

Thank god there is only one. Can you imagine what would happen if you get hit by one of these??!!!

Probably would turn out quiet messy but also look pretty funny.

Wow what a wacky idea... and Rawmean lol, it wouldn't be pretty ro be hit by one.

Ever get a bicyclist hogging and blocking the road in front of you.. it would be fun to ride up on them in this car!!