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1951 Reyonnah

The prototype shown by Mr. Hannoyer (Reyonnah backwards) at the Paris Salon of 1950 evolved over the next few months to a definitive production form. The open "torpedo" body tub with the sweeping curved cowl and sides, became a convertible with a side-hinged top mounted on the now straight sides. The windshield no longer folded, the headlamps were deeper, rear fenders flatter, and wheels (from the Simca Cinq) changed in pattern. Different lifting tops were seen, including canvas soft tops, hardtops with sunroof, and clear bubbles.

This fascinating car sacrifices ergonomics for design, however. It is difficult to imagine a lady in a '50's tight skirt clambering over the tall sides into the tub. The large steering wheel and controls are stuffed into a cramped knuckle-bruising space under the front cowl. And finally, its front suspension "trick" does not allow for a lock in the "up" position, so that moving the car forward with suspension "up" causes it to collapse back to "down", defeating its purpose of rolling it into a tight spot like a motorcycle.

These cars are extremely rare and sought after by collectors.

Manufacturer: Robert Hannoyer, Paris, France

Model: Reyonnah

Motor: AMC, 4-stroke Body : Steel
Years Built: 1951-1954 No. Cylinders: 1 Chassis: Steel Tube
No. Produced: 12 Displacement: 175 cc Suspension Front: Coil
No. Surviving: 4 Horsepower: 8.5 Suspension Rear: Swing Arm
Length: 2.9 m Gearbox: 4 Steering: Rack & Pinion
Width: 1.45 m Starter: Pull Brakes: Cable
Weight: 200 kg Electrics: 6 v 4 Wheels: 400 x 15"
Interior: 2 Seats Ignition: Coil Top Speed: 70 kph

© 2002