Gabriel Voisin is widely known for his extravagant pre-war automobile designs. After World War II conditions in war-torn Europe had dramatically changed and Voisin foresaw a market for small, economical automobiles. In 1945 he designed the Biscooter, which was just what the name implied; two scooters joined together, a small transversely mounted two-stroke engine, no doors and no side windows. Unfortunately no major manufacturer was interested in his minimalist design and finally he sold his ideas to a Spanish company. Called the Biscuter, approximately 18.000 of these uncomplicated cars were built and sold in Spain, although Voisin hardly received any money for the use of his idea. Some Biscooters were made in France and one of the earliest examples was auctioned by Artcurial in Paris on April 13. It came with a 250cc two-stroke Gnome et Rhône single cylinder engine. As it has been in one and the same family since 1956, it’s still very original, but will need some restoration work.

April 10, 2008