30-06-2021, 08:58 PM
Many thanks to all for tracking down the machine. The improvised extended nose hides what would otherwise have been the giveaway, the flywheel at the front of the Sima Violet engine. That is of course an air cooled flat twin, one hopes that the extension did not impede cooling air. Marcel Violet was still capable of winning the GP de la Marne as late as 1927 sustaining 55.76 mph over 198 miles. Mike Hawke records that the cyclecar class was originally intended to do half the distance of the voiturettes. However, perhaps on the basis that they had paid their entry fee, and were having sporting fun, after their allocated twenty laps the cyclecars just continued for a further twenty! Production cars had 496 cc, the GP car might have had a larger engine. Violet's engine designed for Major featured a rotary inlet valve, has anyone seen one of these?
One remaining puzzle in the original photo is what might look like a drag link running back from the front wheel or maybe the axle. Front axle location is by radius arms, an arrangement familiar to us all.
Having an indefatigable 2CV and a Ruby whose radiator has begun to imitate a colander, I rather think that air cooling is a good idea.
One remaining puzzle in the original photo is what might look like a drag link running back from the front wheel or maybe the axle. Front axle location is by radius arms, an arrangement familiar to us all.
Having an indefatigable 2CV and a Ruby whose radiator has begun to imitate a colander, I rather think that air cooling is a good idea.