"As far as concepts and realities in the field of microcar construction are concerned, whose paths and detours we have followed attentively and critically in recent years in the pages of this journal, we have already become accustomed to observing extraordinary new designs with increasing interest - but without excitement - after the first birth pangs of the offspring of the small car, its further development can now be followed in peace.Original magazine is here:https://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2022/07/das-auto-magazine-nr-9-may-1950.html
DAS AUTO has continuously reported on the attempts to develop affordable yet operationally safe and comfortable microcars and has not failed to warn against such "mobile pedestals with miniature engines" whose practical value in no way corresponds to their acquisition and maintenance costs. Anyone who looks back at the post-war efforts to build microcars will, in general, be able to acknowledge that, despite all the difficulties that got in the way of production, they have made appreciative progress.
In addition to the four-wheeled, sporty, open design, occasional closed three-wheeled passenger cars now appear on the market. The latest creation in this area is the FuldaMobil developed by Elektro Maschinenbau Fulda/Hessen GmbH, which is expected to go into series production in a few weeks after thorough testing.
Many still remember the three-wheeler construction period in the early 1930s. The three-wheeler has proven itself as a commercial vehicle [for example the Tempo Hanseat and Goliath Goli] and has become particularly popular on German roads. However, the passenger car of this type did not achieve any major sales success and designs such as the "Framo-Stromer", the "Hercules" or even the Goliath "Pionier" were not able to establish themselves. The political and economic situation at the time, with the upward trend in the development of German motor vehicles, put an end to three-wheeler construction in 1933. Only since 1945 have optimistic designers tried it again. That the idea of tricycles is not dead abroad is proven even in England, which showed a new, well-received three-wheeler model from the Bond works at the London exhibition last autumn.
And now Elektro-Maschinenbau Fulda GmbH is going public with their prototype. The manufacturers were concerned to create a reliable and robust passenger vehicle that was of no higher price than a sidecar combination, without forgoing any greater comfort. JloWerke supplied their tried-and-tested, air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke engine of 250 ccm cylinder capacity for 6.5 hp, which is installed in the rear and drives the rear wheel via a chain. Considerable weight savings were achieved thanks to the tubular steel construction of the chassis. The vehicle weighs 250 kg empty. The two-seater convertible sedan made of steel and wood composite construction has a pleasing pontoon shape, two doors with opening windows, a spacious trunk behind the seats and simple warm-air heating. An advantage over many other small cars is the closed body, which offers complete protection against all inclement weather. The outer shape, which is a bit unusual at first glance, impresses with a good finish. Turn signal direction indicators are installed on both sides of the body, front and rear. The manual starter can be replaced with a Dyna-Start starter at an additional cost.
All-in-all a non-tilting three-wheeler that should drive at a top speed of 70 km/h and consume approx. 4 litres of fuel mixture at a constant speed of 50 km/h. With the great demand for cheap small trucks for city and suburban traffic, for country doctors, sales representatives and last but not least, for war invalids, the Fulda-Mobil with its low purchase price of DM 1850.- and an annual tax of DM 36.- will find buyers.
Mi"
The 1934 Framo Stromer:https://dkwautounionproject.blogspot.com/2019/06/1934-framo-stromer.html
The Fuldamobil was licensed for production in a number of countries, making it one of the most manufactured microcars in history. It was however a terrible vehicle and sales were poor everywhere it was made. https://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2021/10/1954-fuldamobil-nwf-200.html
