Propeller-Driven Car.

By Alex in Auto & Transportation, Pictures on Mar 13, 2007 at 10:34 pm

Behold the Helica, a propeller-driven car invented and sold by Frenchman Marcel Leyat in the early 1900s. This one above, a 1922 saloon car version owned by Jean-François Bouzanquet, is probably only running model left in the world.

The steering wheel operates the rear wheels by wires, which can, according to the owner, be ‘interesting’. The Bouzanquet Helica is said to be in original condition except for a replacement propeller. In WW2 the German forces attempted to commandeer the vehicle. Confused by the steering system, the driver turned right instead of left, hitting a tree and breaking the propeller.

Links: Museum of Retro Technologies | Helica.info


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  1. barney Smith
    Mar 14th, 2007 at 3:20 pm

    Also known as the Pedestrian Blender of Death.


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