FOOLPROOF TWO-SEATER AUTO CAR PROPOSED AS TAXICAB (Jan, 1924)
Source: Popular Mechanics ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Jan, 1924
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FOOLPROOF TWO-SEATER AUTO CAR PROPOSED AS TAXICAB
Because of its cheapness of operation, a two-seated auto car recently invented in Europe, is proposed as a substitute for the much larger and more expensive taxicab. It is so simply built, the maker claims, that anyone can drive it without previous experience or training. Somewhat similar in appearance to the side car of a motorcycle, it is propelled by a small engine and guided by a huge steering wheel nearly twice the size of an ordinary one. It has only three wheels, two small ones at the rear, and a larger one in front. Besides the driver, it seats two persons. On heavily traveled boulevards, the machine is said to make rapid headway, as it is able to dart in and out among the larger vehicles.
“… the machine is said to make rapid headway, as it is able to dart in and out among the larger vehicles.”
Just the thing to improve safety.
Comment by Rick Auricchio — February 9, 2008 @ 10:50 am
reminds me of the Lean Machine that used to be on display in the World of Motion at EPCOT center.
http://www.carstyling.ru/resou.....hine_1.jpg
Comment by Thundercat — February 9, 2008 @ 2:39 pm
Foolproof?
Comment by Slim — February 10, 2008 @ 9:48 am
Why is the steering wheel so large?!
Comment by Myles — February 11, 2008 @ 8:49 am
I’m assuming some sort of active body tilt, all muscle-powered of course,hence the large steering wheel/handlebars/whatever. Must be fun for an 8-hour shift…
Comment by nlpnt — February 12, 2008 @ 5:42 pm
Funnily enough Paris & Bangkok both have taxi services today using scooters to zip though the traffic.
Comment by petestrash — February 21, 2008 @ 6:00 am
is it a direct counterpart for these taxicabs?
Comment by service taxicab transportation — June 19, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
By the way this motorbike called Monotrace was produced in the years 20/30s, in Lyons, France.
I never heard about a taxis´ use. It was probably the most avanced motomobile never produced since that one produced in switzerland in the 90´s powered by a BMW engine.
There is one exemple in rochetaillé Museum near Lyons, France.
Comment by Francois — November 27, 2008 @ 9:13 am