Let's Talk Cyclecars

1913, July 13, Amiens, sidecar and cyclecar grand prix, Pouliez on Violet-Bogey, Canoriel on Sphinx-Globe

 

Violet-Bogey gear change: the friction roller G is applied against the plate P driven by the motor. G moves laterally on the ribbed axis A under the action of the triangulation N maneuvered by the pilot using the lever L. The neutral point is obtained when the roller G is in the middle of the axis A, aligned with the center of the plate P. The greatest speed is obtained when G is at the edge of the plate, as for example in the photo. Sliding to the left beyond the center of the board is in reverse. At the left end of the A axle is the sprocket that drives the C chain to the rear sprocket attached to the wheel axle (no differential).

 

Very interesting concept.

 

My neighbor had a snapper lawn tractor with that type of arrangement. The flywheel was rubber coated.

 

styled somewhat similar to Jay Leno's Shotwell. Imagine it being powered by a gas engine instead of an electric motor.

 

Most commonly associated with the British GWK light car:

 

At least try to get the proportions close!! View attachment 6039447

I've had a couple of Snapper lawn tractors but they both had plane flywheels and rubber coated driven wheels.

 

Proper gearbox!

 

Maybe it was the other way around like that. Been over 20 years! It worked. Infinitely variable drive and pretty simple.

 

I have always built odd cars.

This time around I'm building a Mini Gasser using a 37 Ford Legends car and will use a St or CTX1300 engine.

 

That will be cool. I always liked the gassers and especially the Altered class. It was so crazy watching them go all over the track. They looked like a GN racing.

 

"Rocket car", Johnstown, USA.

 

'Single seat Austin racing of David Parry, registration no. 131-901' - Sam Hood Collection, Mitchell Library/State Library of New South Wales

 

Just in case you didn't see this go here and look. They picked out cycle cars for this photo shoot.
https://www.prewarcar.com/a-fine-vintage-centenary-year-sees-montlhery-at-its-very-best

 

Magnifying the original SLNSW first image, I think it says 'Humber' on the radiator surround. 'Vintage Car Club ... Centennial Park (?) ... ca. 1953' photos by Max Dupain; Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

 

Just came across this on FB. Wonder if any have been fitted to cycle cars over the years. Orig design goes back to the 30s.

 

Looks like a pre WW1 Humberette

 

I have often thought about that but the prop shaft would require some machining to fit a flywheel and the crankshaft thrust bearing would be on the wrong side to take clutch pressure.

 

1934 Sandford quad

 

http://www.spiritracerclub.org/les-cyclecars-de-la-belle-epoque-le-mini-mir-de-lautomobile /

 

That Sandford is really nice. I've not see one before.

 

How about this , mobile two stroke invalid chair that was common here in 1950s/1960s. Obviously only for outside use . Thats me sitting there. Had a ball with that thing before the cops pulled me off the road 30 years ago. No, thankfully i,m healthy.

 

'A late 1931/early 1932 Morris Minor with a locally built body, Perth, 1932' - State Library of Western Australia

 

I really love that car. I have Bolster's book on building Specials.

 

Framo 'Stromer':
The Stromer, with its racy look, speed, convenience, and economy, is the perfect vehicle for the business man, the discriminating sportsman and the elegant lady.

 

One of my favorites. Also as a roadster.