Inter 175A Berline- 1956

Introduced as the Inter at the 1953 Paris Show by the distributors A. E. M. W. (Ateliers Electro-Mechaniques de la Seine of Saint-Ouen), this non-traditional auto-scooter was designed and constructed by French aircraft builders S.N.C.A.N. (Societe Nationale de Construction AeroNautique). Although three styles of the Inter were displayed at the 1953 show, only the Berline would go into full production. It is believed that between 1953 and 1956, the company only produced about 300 Inter 175A Berline (sedan) microcars and only around 30 still exist today.

Being designed by an aircraft company led to numerous aircraft features appearing in the vehicle – a steering handlebar mimics aircraft controls and the two passengers sit in tandem, much like some small aircraft. A helicopter-type starter, called the Westinghouse Gyrostarter, is used to start the engine. To operate the starter, the driver pulls a lever on the floor starting an electric motor that spins the engine’s flywheel; a clutch then engages the flywheel to the engine, and using the inertia of the spinning flywheel, the engine starts.

The exterior is also influenced by the aerodynamics of aircraft design and includes a hinged canopy top, which was also a signature of the Messerschmitt KR200 of Germany. Although the design of the Inter remained similar during production, it is said that no two Inters are identical.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: S.N.C.A.N. (Societe Nationale de Construction AeroNautique)
Country of Origin: France
Drivetrain Configuration: Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: Ydral, single-cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled, 175cc, 8 HP
Transmission: 3-speed manual plus reverse
Top speed: Unknown
Years Produced: 1953-1956
Number Produced: 300
Cost: unknown