Propeller Car

Description

A propeller-driven car is a much simpler machine than our modern autos, but its stripped-down drive train has potential for peril. The propeller eliminates the need for a transmission, clutch and brakes, which in turn takes away a lot of the driver's control. However, it should be pointed out that the brakes could be quickly augmented by simply reversing the propeller's flow.

Though a handful of resourceful folks contributed to the propeller-driven car's maturation, French engineer Marcel Leyat is credited with most of the innovation and development that resulted in a somewhat usable vehicle. Based on his previous experience as an airplane builder, Leyat thought propeller-driven cars could achieve better fuel economy since the mechanics of the machine were simpler. Many of the first prop-driven cars were reconfigurations of existing cars, but eventually, other engineers realized that a car that was pushed forward by air should work with the airflow, not against it. Cars that were designed specifically to work with propellers (not just existing autos that were adapted) featured futuristic pod-like designs to cut smoothly through the air. The aerodynamic shape remains a noteworthy innovation; some of the same design principles are still evident -- even in our modern "green" cars.