Inter Type 175 A Microcar - 1953 by Perico001 Chassis n° 1041
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Estimated : € 50.000 - 70.000
Sold for € 49.450
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2018
- Ultra-rare French microcar
- One of an estimated 38 survivors
- Professionally restored
- Excellent original condition
- One of the best surviving examples
‘Conceived by les Ateliers Électromagnétiques de la Seine and produced by the SNCAN aircraft company, the Inter could be summed up as a French equivalent of the Messerschmitt.’ – 'Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile’.
This charming French microcar looks very much like a 'car of the future’ from the 1950s; indeed, it is easy to imagine it emerging from a flying saucer in a science fiction movie of the period. The Inter 'Auto Scooter’ was built at SNCAN’s factory near Lyon and first shown to the public at the Salon de l'Auto in 1953. Its aviation connections are obvious - it looks just like the cockpit and nose section of a contemporary light aircraft - while the tilting canopy was another feature it shared with the German Messerschmitt, as was the tandem seating arrangement for the two occupants. Motive power was supplied by a 175cc Ydral single-cylinder two-stroke engine, which drove the rear wheel via a three-speeds-plus-reverse gearbox and chain final drive. Unusually, the Inter’s two front wheels could be folded up to reduce the body’s width of 135cm by around 45cm, making it possible to store the vehicle in one’s shed. Only some 300 Inters were manufactured from 1954 to 1956, with a few others assembled from parts up to 1958. It is estimated that around 38 cars remain today in collections and museums worldwide, with only a few among them still in running order.
This particular Inter was discovered in a barn a few years ago, in running order and original. The vehicle was then completely restored by Auto Classic Restauration in Normandy, and photographs and invoices relating to the restoration may be found in the history file. Guaranteed to turn heads at any motoring event, this quite delightful Inter microcar is one of the best of the surviving examples. https://flic.kr/p/22SncQe
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