The Czech manufacturer Velorex is probably best known for its sidecars but they also produced some weird and wonderful little cars.
At first sight a Velorex looks like a pile of old coats ! However, it really is a rather clever little car.
The cars feature a tubular steel space frame, something that is usually only found on exotic racing cars.
The space frame is covered with fabric panels which are attached by press studs and are removable.
The engines used were modified units designed for Jawa motorcycles. Early cars used a single or twin cylinder 250cc unit, later cars had a 350cc twin. All engines were two-strokes, air cooled, and mounted in the rear of the car.
These cars probably represent the simplest usable car ever made, and were able to carry two adults at reasonable speeds and minimal cost.
The first Velorex cars were made in 1958 and production continued through until the 1970's
In the 1970's Velorex also started to produce a car with 4 wheels, this was still a very compact car, but had more boxy styling and rigid body panels.
I need some photos of the four wheeled Velorex cars. If anyone has some that they would like to donate please send me an email.
