French Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Arzens Microcars

Manufactured by Paul Arzens (1903-1990) in Paris in 1942, this beautiful aluminium and Plexiglas three-wheeled creation known as L’Oeuf Electrique (The Electric Egg) is considered the first bubblecar. Initially battery-powered, post-war it was converted to use a 125cc engine. Arzens, known to Ettore Bugatti, drove his cars until his death in 1990 at the age of 87.

His bubblecar is preserved at Cité de l'Automobile, Mulhouse.

Arzens also built an elegant electric automobile with a range of 300 km and a futuristic appearance. He is best known for his work in the railway world, where he designed locomotives, carriages and railway stations for the SNCF.

Sources: OTTW, bubblemania.fr

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