Last week I said that in the early days of motoring, steam cars reigned supreme, but the invention of one accessory saw the internal combustion engine out-sell the steamers. I asked what was it? It was the electric starter motor, making internal combustion engines easier to start and no waiting for a head of steam. The sales of steamers plummeted from then on.
So to this week. Post-war saw some strange and sometimes unique motor cars. One was the first post-war transverse front engine FWD car built in the UK. And before you say “Mini” – it wasn’t the first! It had a two-stroke, two-cylinder motor that was mounted transversely in the front and connected to the front wheels through a four speed synchro gearbox. The high price and lack-luster performance had doomed its production. Only 600 units were produced. So what was it?
For the Automania FREE beer this week, be the first correct answer to email [email protected] or [email protected]. Good luck!
