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1919 Leyat Helica news, pictures, and information | ||
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Marcel Leyat was a creative genius. By 1909, he had designed, built and flown his own airplane, at a time when most people had never ridden in a car. He did, however, have a minor miss, in his belief that the future was in propeller-driven ground vehicles.Leyat completed his initial design in 1913, and tested it extensively. Next, came the 1919 production model, which is shown here. The basis for Leyat's design was that a simple, light car (no transmission, differential or clutch required) was going to be more economical in the long run. Leyat paid close attention to details such as aerodynamics and weight. The body is fully streamlined; it boasts a full monocoque chassis and disc wheels, rather than spoke wîth brakes integral to the wheels. Due to a brilliant design and the use of aluminum, the car weighs a mere 625 pounds. The Leyat was shown at the 1921 Paris Auto Show and 600 orders were received. Alas, Leyat never found financial backing and production ceased after 25 were built.Source - Lane Motor Museum
Marcel Leyat established the French automoible Company, Leyat, in Paris in 1919. He had worked as an engineer with the air force during the First World War and had become fascinated with aviation. The first model produced by Leyat was dubbed the Helica, also known as 'The plane without wings.' There was seating for minimal, with the passengers sitting behind each other as in an aircraft. Steering was handling by using the rear wheels. In the front was a giant propeller powered by an 8 horsepower Scorpion engine that provided movement for the vehicle. The car was made primarily from plywood.
Production of the Helica lasted between 1919 and 1925, during which time between 25 - 30 examples were sold. It is reported that the cars front two wheels were not too stable (a single wheel in the rear) and accidents were not too uncommon. These issues were solved with a four-wheel version.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2010
For more information and related vehicles, click hereProduction of the Helica lasted between 1919 and 1925, during which time between 25 - 30 examples were sold. It is reported that the cars front two wheels were not too stable (a single wheel in the rear) and accidents were not too uncommon. These issues were solved with a four-wheel version.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2010
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