1956 Claveau FWD Prototype

This prototype was introduced at the 1955 Paris Auto Show. It wears a design courtesy of Emile Claveau, has front-wheel drive, and is powered by a two-stroke, 3 cylinder engine sourced from DKW.

The engine was mated to a four-speed gearbox but a gas tank was never installed. The car has a unibody construction with four independent wheels. Rubber rings nested in each other provide the suspension; they were called 'anneaux Neiman' and were installed successfully on scooters and bikes.

After its show debut came to an end, it was sent to a salvage yard where it was later rescued by a French Collector named Doctor Jeanson. The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum later purchased it. It has been given a restoration and a gas tank was fitted. The car was finally driven five decades after being introduced at the Paris Auto Show.