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1951 Atlas "Babycar"

The delightfully styled "Atlas" was one of a large number of vehicles that were produced in France after World War II. Marketed in France only, these cars were outside of mainstream European car production.

The car was introduced as the "Coccinelle" (Ladybird) at the "Paris Salon" in 1949. Afterwards called "Atlas Babycar", it was the product of the Societe Industrielle de Livry, with bodywork by Duriez in Paris. The same company also produced the Kover (a cheaper small roadster) and the stark Le Piaf (closely resembling the Biscooter), all of them using the same chassis.

The pretty roadster body underwent several changes, such as windshield shape, grille casting, headlamp height, and the addition of doors. The chassis was complex and well engineered, with independent suspension all around. The four-speed gearbox fed into a separate secondary box, which included reverse, driving the left rear wheel.

The prototype was built in 1949, with the well-known 170cc AMC motor, making 8.5 horsepower. An Ilo 250cc engine and an electric starter were considered for its primarily female customers.

This is one of the only two examples known to exist.

Manufacturer: Societe Industrielle de Livry and Duriez, Paris France

Model: "Babycar" Motor: AMC 4-stroke Body : Steel
Years Built: 1950 - 1952 No. Cylinders: 1 Chassis: Tube
No. Produced: N/A Displacement: 170 cc Suspension Front: Coil
No. Surviving: 2 Horsepower: 8.5 Suspension Rear: Leaf
Length: 2770 mm Gearbox: 4 + rev Steering: Rack
Width: 1240 mm Starter: Pull Start Brakes: Cable
Weight: 270 kg Electrics: 6 v 4 Wheels: 270 x 90
Interior: Bench Ignition: Coil Top Speed: 60 kph

© 2002