Early 1930s Velocar Serie, the cheapest and most primative model at 2500 fr. 1931 Velocar Confort, the 3500 fr luxury model, with optional convertable roof but without a floor. Here can can clearly see the two pedal drives.

Velocar Confort-Camionnette pickup truck, left, VS Velocar II, right

The original Mochet Velocar went through several different body shapes in it's 20 years of production. My new one isn't a copy of any one in particular but the Modele Confort has the largest influence. I think out of all originals it offers the best combination of aerodynamics, appeal, and weather protection. The problem of most surviving Velocars is their narrow width at the seat. This was caused by the flat sided construction of the body and a need to keep it clear of the front wheels for steering. You need to drive arm out, which is no good when it rains. In the new Velocar this is corrected by widening the middle of the body, and then tapering it off at the nose. Usable inside width is at a minimum of 112cm, or 56cm per person, which is enough to sit snugly with both arms inside the car at all times. With this problem solved, it's now possible for a hardtop to be made with closing side windows.

Velocar II's all-new chassis.

The original chassis was made of steel tubes stacked one on top of the other and joined together by brass clamps, similar to scaffolding, with the axles attached below. This primitive construction was prone to flex over potholes, dictates a narrow rear track, and limits any modernisation of the vehicle as a whole. It became clear that a new design was needed in order to progress. I decided it should be welded out of rectangular steel tube. The new design is more space efficient, increases stiffness, and allows a wider rear track, while at the same time being easier and less complicated to produce.

The old chassis' narrow track compromised the handling and also made the wheels intrude into the boot. The new chassis solves this problem by using two separate rear axles - one for each wheel, each fitted with a freewheel sprocket and driven from a central jackshaft. The new Velocar uses off the shelf parts wherever possible. Indexed gears, hydraulic disc brakes, mid drive motors, and hubs for large axles are all easily available today, which gives the new car a huge advantage compared to the old. The few items unique to the new velocar are simple enough to be made with basic tools.

Length: Width: Body width: Body Length: Seat Height: Ground clearence: Wheelbase: Wheelsize: Chassis: Body: Brakes: Gears: Motor:

262cm 142cm 117cm 230cm 50cm 160cm 190cm ISO 559, 26"MTB Steel 6x4cm 4mm Fibreglassed plywood, some timber frame six bolt front discs, hydraulic Sturmey-Archer AW 3-Speed Hub Cyclone 3kW, 4Horsepower electric