September 5, 2007

Car-Trailer Combination (Feb, 1938)

Filed under: Automotive — @ 7:29 am
Source: Science And Mechanics ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Feb, 1938

Car-Trailer Combination

A radical departure in automobile design is represented by a streamlined automobile in which the body and frame are integral and which, it is claimed, increases safety in driving while combining all of the features of a pleasure car and trailer. The structure is streamlined and is 16 feet long and 6 feet 4 inches wide overall. The inside height is 6 feet 4 inches. The motor is in the rear and operates on the rear wheels. The car is suspended from variable pitch coil springs and has a cruising speed of fifty miles an hour. Its floor is 12 inches from the ground and the road clearance is 9-1/2 inches. This together with improved driver visibility, it is claimed, makes the car especially safe to drive.

8 Comments »

  1. Cool!
    This should be in the ‘Origins’ section too, the first minivan.

    Comment by Stannous — September 5, 2007 @ 8:20 am

  2. It appears to be a version of the Pribil Housecar, designed to carry 8 and sleep 3. Engine was either a 30hp Mathis or a Continental four-cylinder. More information at: http://blog.hemmings.com/index.....ty-stunts/

    Comment by Dan — September 5, 2007 @ 10:12 am

  3. Wow, a 30hp engine? I wouldn’t want to try going up a hill with 8 people in that thing unless 4 of them got out to push.

    It looks pretty comfy though.

    Comment by Charlie — September 5, 2007 @ 10:16 am

  4. A tricycle wheel arrangement? Bet it handled well too–especially loaded.

    Comment by mrdweeb — September 5, 2007 @ 4:22 pm

  5. Looks like a deathtrap. Though with 30hp I can’t see it hitting anything very fast.

    Comment by Eamonnanchnuic — September 5, 2007 @ 4:35 pm

  6. A Dymaxion car from 1960s Yugoslavia?

    Comment by jayessell — September 5, 2007 @ 8:04 pm

  7. 30 hp isnt so bad… a 1978 volkswagen T2 i own has only 49…and manages to go 120 km/h, ok that goes down to a 110 if 7 seated.

    Comment by K!P — September 6, 2007 @ 5:16 am

  8. I want one - painted like a Federation Shuttlecraft!

    Comment by Sorcerer Mickey — September 6, 2007 @ 10:17 am

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