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Topic starter
04/05/2024 2:59 pm
Now residing in the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, TN, the 1955 Grataloup was originally constructed as a personal use vehicle by Monsieur Grataloup. The small motorcycle engine is placed next to the driver so that the majority of the weight is in the center of the car to improve handling.
The relatively large wheels and leaf spring suspension make the car very capable on rough roads despite its 3-wheeled layout. The pre-war Villiers Mk IX engine out of a BSA motorcycle drives a separate gearbox from a Renée Gillet automobile by chain. The starter motor is connected to the engine via a leather belt. This car was discovered in a Citroën garage in Biarritz, France near where Monsieur Grataloup resided and a 1:43 model of this one-off is now part of the Micro-Voitures series from Altaya.
The car as it sits in the Lane.
04/05/2024 3:24 pm
This is a very interesting automobile, Randy. It definitely makes for an excellent and little-known replica and it is bound to be a discussion starter !
John Kuvakas and Jack Dodds reacted
04/05/2024 8:11 pm
I wonder if you would pay for a motorcycle or automobile license and parking space ! 
John Kuvakas and Jack Dodds reacted
04/05/2024 8:24 pm
Looks like the Lane bought it when the collection was auctioned off!
http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/grataloup.html
John Kuvakas reacted
05/05/2024 11:38 am
Thanks for sending me down a new rabbit hole, Randy. Now I want all of them.
John Kuvakas reacted
Topic starter
05/05/2024 12:03 pm
@paul-rouffa You're in luck! There are lots to collect. 🙂 The only hard ones to get are the bonus models that come with a subscription.
John Kuvakas and Paul Rouffa reacted