Daily demonstrations at 11am, free with admission!

Grataloup-1955

grataloup_1955_web1a.jpg

 

An unconventional car throughout, this is a car constructed by a Frenchman, Monsieur Grataloup, for his own personal use.  The small motorcycle engine is placed next to the driver so that the majority of the weight is in the center of the car to improve handling.
The relatively large wheels and leaf spring suspension make the car very capable on rough roads despite its 3-wheeled layout.  The pre-war Villiers Mk IX engine out of a BSA motorcycle drives a separate gearbox from a Renée Gillet automobile by chain. The starter motor is connected to the engine via a leather belt.  This car was discovered in a Citroën garage in Biarritz, France near where Monsieur Grataloup resided.  The Grataloup was his daily driver.
 
Specifications:
 
Manufacturer:  M. Grataloup
Country of Origin:  France
Drivetrain Configuration:  Mid engine, rear wheel drive
Engine:  247cc, single cylinder, air-cooled, 2 stroke Villiers, 7.5 HP
Transmission:  3 speed manual
Top Speed:  45 MPH
Years of Production:  1955
Number Produced:  1
Original Cost:  Unknown
 

Check out this episode of The Inside Lane for a tour and brief history of our Grataloup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0MI516u1Dg