Ignacio Saenz de Camara
As if it were a dream that takes us back to the 50s, an exhibition held at the Barcelona population of Gironella brought together around forty microcars, microvans and other small vehicles, in an exhibition titled “Cotxes Utilitaris de Postguerra”. It has been the perfect excuse to start a Complete tour of the microcars of Spain in the 50s.
We are going to explore this curious story that tells us about the economic situation of the country, but also about the talent of those who did not hesitate to launch into production. small cars with greater or lesser success.
FORCED ECONOMY
75 years ago, when our country was still suffering from postwar hardships, a type of small-sized vehicles, powered by two-stroke engines, began to proliferate. It was about microcars, strollers whose lower price was within the reach of a greater number of users, compared to utilitarian Citroen 2CV o Fiat Topolino. In general, these tiny cars used to have a body length of less than 3 meters, while their modest cabin accommodated at most three people.
Its reason for existing was based on the economic situation, harmed by the shortage of raw materials after World War II. A phenomenon that also occurred in other European countries. In fact, some of its manufacturers took advantage of the metal from already discarded fuel cans, to cut them and use them in the construction of future bodies. Likewise, almost all of them agreed on the type of engine used, which It used to be a two-stroke single-cylinder Hispano-Villiers, available in displacements of 122 and 197 cm3.
EXPANSION OF THE BISCUTER
Of all the Spanish microcars of the 50s, the one that achieved the highest production figures was the biscuit, whose manufacturing in the San Adrián del Besós factory reached around 12.000 copies. Created in France by the exceptional engineer Gabriel voisin, has an aluminum body, front-wheel drive and a 197 cc engine that achieves a maximum power of 9 HP. And thanks to its low weight of 240 kg, it can roll with sufficient agility in urban environments. Already on a flat road, It is capable of reaching a real top speed of 65 km/h.
From this initial version, which people considered quite ugly, appeared in 1957 in Biscuter 200 F. Nicknamed "Pegasin", its body was made of fiberglass. At the same time, in 1957 The 200-C van came onto the market, whose body with wooden sides earned it the nickname “Blonde”. Its load capacity reached 250 kg. However, its lack of success among transporters led to the appearance of the 200-I model a year later, with an increased length to 2,95 meters and greater height in the loading area.
THE PTV
La PTV brand It was created in the city of Manresa by four partners: Mauricio Perramón, the brothers Guillem and Antoni Tachó and José Vila. Hence the use of the initials of the three surnames. First of all, appeared in 1956 on PTV 250, powered by a 247 cm single-cylinder engine3 and 11 CV created by them. To highlight, its attractively designed two-seater cabriolet-type body. From the PTV A total of 1.055 units were built, mostly of the PTV 250 version, of which around 130 copies currently survive around the world.
Already in 1960, They manufactured the only PTV 400, whose 397 cm twin-cylinder engine3 and 19 HP was coupled to a four-speed gearbox and reached 110 km/h. However, the much higher competitiveness of SEAT 600 prevented its release to the market. On the other hand, they did see it as interesting to build an industrial variant, the PTV Van. Equipped with a fiberglass body, a total of 1961 examples were manufactured between 1962 and 45. By then, the firm was dedicated mainly to the production of small dumpers For the construction.
THE CREATIVITY OF CAPTAIN SALDAÑA
The history of microcars in Spain in the 50s now takes us to Burgos. The Captain Federico Saldaña, which manufactured its first vehicle in 1950. It was about Kapi Super 125, a two-seat coupe powered by a 125 cm Montesa engine3. This model, whose maximum speed was 50 km/h, was followed by other future coupes and cabriolets in subsequent years, some even like the Super Sedan 350, equipped with a 16 HP twin-cylinder engine. Already in 1955, launched the market Kapi Jip, with aesthetics similar to that of the famous American Jeep and which used the 170 cm four-stroke Fita engine3 or the 2 cm Iresa 197T3, both 8,5 HP.
Then launched Kapi Chiqui in 1956, a two-seater whose rear wheels were located a short distance away. In this way, having to install a differential in the transmission was avoided. In the rear engine compartment was housed a 197 cm Hispano-Villiers engine3 and 8,5 hp, air-cooled, with a 2T cycle and which officially allowed it to reach a top speed of 85 km/h. In addition, Captain Saldaña also directed the production of low-wheeled motorcycles, motocars, delivery tricycles and the model Kapiscooter. In total it produced around 300 vehicles.
OTHER MICROCARS IN SPAIN IN THE 50S
One of the most basic vehicles in production at that time was the Junior, manufactured in Barcelona by Antonio de Padua Casas, who previously built Reina motorcycles and mopeds. Equipped with two front wheels and one rear wheel, it has no doors and its body length is 2,5 meters. In fact, in front there is only room for the bottom bracket and legs. The single-cylinder engine is a 197 cm Hispano-Villiers3, cooled by an air turbine and with a power of 9 HP. of this model Only 16 examples were built in 1955 and 1956.
About us Munguia Industrial, founded in 1957, obtained a production license in 1959, which implied the construction of automobiles with a displacement of less than 350 cm.3. Its objective was the manufacturing under license of German tourism Glass Goggomobil, which had been produced in its country of origin since the spring of 1955. However, the first units would come out in January 1962. With a fairly powerful industrial capacity, in the Biscayan factory 6.373 units were manufactured until it was discontinued in 1968.. By then, this car was already quite outdated.
Another microcar project took place in Madrid, by the company Madrid Popular Automobile Manufacturing Industry, which built 20 units until its disappearance. The technician Natalio Horcajo worked at this firm, who built a frame in 1955 to which he attached a Opposed two-cylinder Raid engine, 250 cm3 and 10 HP of power. The following year he built a third model, called AP-III Practical. It was powered by a 700 cm in-line two-cylinder Raid engine.3, which was coupled to a three-speed gearbox.
DISPARATE AXLE MICROCARS
Under license from the Italian firm ISO, was manufactured in the Madrid neighborhood of Carabanchel. Iso Isetta 200. Between 1957 and 1961, about 1.000 units of this car, nicknamed “egg,” were produced. It was powered by a 236 cm parallel two-cylinder, two-stroke cycle engine.3 of displacement. It obtains a maximum power of 9,5 HP at 4.500 rpm and reaches 76 km/h. The design of its bodywork, signed by Ermenegildo Preti, It is based on the cockpit of an airplane, has a single front door and can accommodate in its cabin to two people.
In the Valencian town of Alzira, businessman Luis Suñer manufactured a microcar. Equipped with a front reminiscent of the Renault 4/4, it is powered by a Hispano-Villiers engine. Thanks to its 197 cm single-cylinder two-stroke cycle engine3, can achieve a maximum speed of 75 km/h. However, This little coupe stayed in the prototype phase. Equipped with two front wheels and a rear wheel measuring 4,00 x 10 inches, its body has a length of 2,50 meters and the empty weight of the vehicle is 240 kg.
For its part, the Barcelona company Machinery and Transport Elements SA In 1954, it presented a small passenger car, whose own-produced single-cylinder engine had a cubic capacity of 175 cm.3 and achieves 7 HP. Of this first model, it is likely that only three examples were built, while the company marketed its motor vans much better. three wheels and 200 kg payload. Thus, in 1957 he unveiled a three-wheeled Spider, which used the same power plant as its predecessor. However, its price of 45.000 pesetas limited its sales.
THE TRIVER AND DAVID
Another three-wheeled microcar was built in the Zorroza neighborhood of Bilbao, where the company Construcciones Acorazadas SA began In December 1955 the manufacture of the Triver Frog. Dedicated to the production of safes, the Biscayan firm combined its work with the construction of this vehicle, equipped with a 500 cm twin-cylinder3 and a power of 16 HP. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 78 km/h, it was produced until 1960 and from it A total of 75 examples were built., of which only the one that appears in the image survives.
Regarding the Barcelona company that manufactures the tricycle David, initially called National Cyclecars Factory David, already produced light motor cars since 1914. After the Civil War, it resumed the construction of microcars from 1950 with this single front wheel tricycle, which received traction by a vertical chain. Its engine, located under the previous hood, was a single-cylinder two-stroke cycle and cooled by an air turbine, which It had a displacement of 345 cm3 and obtained 10 HP at 4.000 revolutions.
IMPORT MICROCARS
We cannot finish this article about microcars in Spain in the 50s without talking about the imported models. We will mention three of them built in France and a third manufactured in West Germany, as an example of foreign production. The first of them is a Carpeted, manufactured in the town of Puteaux near Paris. With three wheels, there were 50 cm versions3 that did not require a driving license, 125 and up to 750 cm3. The one present in the exhibition is a CM 125Y, powered by a 125 cm engine3 and 10 hp. Its body is 2,64 meters long and can achieve a maximum speed of 60 km/h.
As regards the Rovin D4, remained in production until 1959. It is a rear-engine convertible two-seater, whose displacement is 462 cm3 and obtains a power of 13 HP. The body has a length of 3,15 meters and the empty weight of the vehicle is 395 kg. Regarding benefits, reaches 85 km/h and consumes around 5 l/100 km according to the manufacturer.
Regarding the microcar Wasp, was only manufactured in France despite being a brand of Italian origin. The 2+2 type body incorporates a canvas roof, to the delight of its occupants. It lacks a trunk, but its 393 cc, 12 HP twin-cylinder engine has a little more vigor than most microcars, in addition to reaching an official maximum speed of 90 km/h. Introduced in 1957, the production of Vespa 400 remained until 1961 and a total of 30.976 copies were manufactured. Additionally, an Argentine firm bought the license and sold it as Rycsa Mitzi until 1960.
Dedicated to the manufacture of military aircraft, the end of World War II forced the German company to Messerschmitt to reconvert to the production of microcars at that time. The unit on display was manufactured in 1955 and is characterized by its folding plexiglass roof, which facilitates access for two travelers, located one behind the other or in tandem. Equipped with a single cylinder two stroke engine, has a displacement of 191 cc and a maximum power of 9,7 HP at 5.000 rpm. Its body measures 2,82 m and reaches a speed of 90 km/h.
INDUSTRIAL MICROCARS
The exhibition continues with the industrial use microcars, which we start with this striking tricycle called Duck Cream, of which 20 examples were manufactured in Barcelona in 1955. Dedicated to the transport of goods, it is powered by a 197 cm Hispano-Villiers single-cylinder engine3 and 9 CV. Coupled to a six-speed gearbox, it reaches a speed of 60 km/h. This truck has a load capacity of 300 kg, the body measures 3,30 meters in length and up to two people can be accommodated in the front cabin.
In the Barcelona neighborhood of Hostafrancs, This FH van was manufactured since 1955, equipped with a 197 cm Hispano-Villiers single-cylinder engine3 and 9 HP installed on the front axle. Front-wheel drive, this example of the first generation and registered in 1958 is characterized by the use of wood in some areas of the body, as well as its exterior headlights.
Already in the second half of 1958, the FH van saw the aesthetics of its cabin modified, which In its second series it began to incorporate the headlights in front of the wheel arches. It retained the three-speed gearbox, although the cabin was made of steel and the Hispano-Villiers engine had increased its displacement to 324 cm.3 and the power at 16 HP.
FROM THE DOLPHIN TO THE ISETTACARRO
In the Barcelona city of Igualada, the National Motorcycle and Tricycle Factory produced in 1956 around 20 examples of this Delfín tri-truck, designed by the pilot Julio Futé. Designed for the transport of goods, it was front-wheel drive and powered by a 197 cm Hispano-Villiers engine.3 and 9 HP, coupled to a three-speed gearbox. All manufactured units were painted blue., had a curb weight of 250 kg and the body length was only 2,48 meters. They achieved a top speed of 60 km/h.
Another manufacturer of microvans was the Barcelona company Mymsa, abbreviation of Motores y Motos SA Successfully dedicated to the production of motorcycles, in 1955 they expanded their offering with the model Frog 3R 175. This van, equipped with a single-cylinder Mymsa front engine, 175 cm3 and 8,8 HP, it had front-wheel drive, thanks to a chain that descended from the gearbox to the only wheel. Equipped with a 2,8 meter long body, the Mymsa moved wonderfully in urban traffic, where It was capable of transporting up to 400 kg of cargo in 1.200 liters of volume..
Likewise, the company Iso Española SA decided to expand its range with a motorcar derived from the Isetta. He requested permission to do so and in January 1957 the first units of the Isettacarro 500. It is a four-wheeled vehicle with a similar track on both axles, equipped with a solid chassis and a load capacity of up to 500 kg. All this in a motorcar 3,45 meters long. Its central engine, with two in-line cylinders and water-cooled, measures 465 cm.3 and get 15 HP. It is connected to a four-speed gearbox and reaches a speed of 65 km/h.
A MICROTRACTOR
There was also in the exhibition a small French tractor, affordable for the most modest French farmers. Is he Energic 511 6V, manufactured between 1950 and 1954. With a length of only 2,2 meters and an empty weight of 875 kg, it has great handling agility, together with a remarkable economy of use on the farms of that time. Equipped with a gearbox with six forward and three reverse gears, its single-cylinder four-stroke engine and aluminum cylinder head. cubic 700 cm3 and achieves a maximum power of 11 HP.
In a secluded area, this tricycle was shown in the rehabilitation phase. It's a ROA Raymar found in the Valencian orchard and of which only three specimens survive. Manufactured between 1958 and 1960, its standard engine is a 197 cm single-cylinder Hispano-Villiers two-stroke cycle.3 and 10 HP, which transmits power to the rear wheels. Its gearbox is three speeds and adds a reducer, its maximum speed being 55 km/h. From this version Approximately 500 units were built.
MORE TYPICAL OBJECTS FROM THE PERIOD
In the exhibition, not only were there microcars in Spain in the 50s, but They exhibited common objects of the time. One of them is a producer, a mechanism that was used to move vehicles in the absence of gasoline. To replace the non-existent fuel, it used firewood or nut shells, which when burned produced a usable gas inside the engine's combustion chamber. Obviously, Its performance was considerably lower than that of gasoline., but it allowed you to travel at a slower and more economical pace in any car that had said device.
Likewise, they were exhibited in the venue three old kilometer milestones of the 1940 Plan Peña, used for decades on national, regional and local roads. Made with either concrete or stone, they had a triangular plan, They effectively withstood the harshest weather conditions and helped guide the drivers. And in the same way, the metal fences that were formerly used instead of guardrails, formed by solid posts and red and white nets, remained before visitors.
They also exhibited a micro car engine, equipped with its characteristic upper shell, as well as oil cans used for greasing, oil cans, batteries and graphic advertising. And, on the other hand, the confirmation of how much wood was used, both to package goods before transport and to build a solid and durable work table.
AUDOVISUALS ROOM
In addition, there was a space dedicated to the screening of short films linked to microcars. Among them, Nodo newscasts dedicated to the presentation of the Biscuter. And, in addition, on a current television there were interviews with people familiar with the conception, placing on the market and the extensive anecdote that characterized this type of vehicle. There was also an ideal place for some souvenir photos, which was aboard a Biscuter placed in front of an old giant photo of a PTV in the Andorran port of Envalira. An exceptional photocall.
To finish this guide on microcars in Spain in the 50s, we will say that it is based on the exhibition “Cotxes Utilitaris de Postguerra”. Open to the public from August 15 of last year until September 17, it was such a success that the organization decided to extend it until October 1. This sample emerged from agreement between Claudi Roca, the Gironella City Council and the owners of Cal Metre. This building is an old textile factory currently disused, which due to its spacious interior is an ideal place for this event.
After being decorated with numerous objects from the time that accompanied the microcars, the exhibition received visits during this period not only from the residents of Gironella, but also from microcar enthusiasts who came from distant provinces, as well as enthusiasts from France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In short, congratulations to Claudi Roca, his sisters, collectors who have helped him and collaborating entities, for having made possible an exhibition that demonstrates the friendliness and technical and aesthetic uniqueness of this type of vehicles.
Classic Lane Photos.
