Details
1951 FULDAMOBIL N-1
Chassis No: 250022
Engine: single cylinder, 247cc; Gearbox: three speed and reverse; Brakes: two wheel cable; Suspension: front, transverse leaf, rear coil. Left hand drive.
In 1950 Karl Schmitt, the owner of Electromaschinenbau (Electrical Engineering Ltd) in Fulda, diversified his industry and went into the production of motor cars, with the help of the astute and inventive designer, Norbert Stevenson.
The first Fuldamobil was produced in 1950, a three-wheeled car with one driven rear wheel and a well crafted alloy panelled, wooden framed body. The car never had any notable success until the engine was given more power by Fichtel & Sachs and in 1954 production was moved to Wilhelmshaven, but unfortunately bankruptcy soon followed.
By 1955 the company had managed to get back on its feet and started to produce a four wheeled competitor to BMW's Isetta. However, market competition towards the end of the decade from Fiat and BMW was fierce and Germany failed to recognise the Fuldamobil, so Karl Schmitt was forced to sell the licences to other countries and the cars were sold under different names such as the 'Nobel 200' in the UK, the 'Bambino' in Holland and the 'Attica' in Greece. These countries saw another side to this little car and it sold admirably until 1969.
Powered by the original Baker Polling 250cc, single cylinder, two stroke engine this car is the only model of its type known to exist and the oldest known Fuldamobil in the world. It was formally displayed in the world famous 'Störy Museum' in Germany and it was the 22nd car built by the factory.
It has been the subject of a complete restoration in the past few months including replacement of the ash body frame, re-skinned in plywood and recovered in new fabric to the original specifications and colours. Now presented in immaculate condition, the N-1 represents a fascinating part of early microcar history and has a particular charm that sets it apart from other cars of its era.
Chassis No: 250022
Engine: single cylinder, 247cc; Gearbox: three speed and reverse; Brakes: two wheel cable; Suspension: front, transverse leaf, rear coil. Left hand drive.
In 1950 Karl Schmitt, the owner of Electromaschinenbau (Electrical Engineering Ltd) in Fulda, diversified his industry and went into the production of motor cars, with the help of the astute and inventive designer, Norbert Stevenson.
The first Fuldamobil was produced in 1950, a three-wheeled car with one driven rear wheel and a well crafted alloy panelled, wooden framed body. The car never had any notable success until the engine was given more power by Fichtel & Sachs and in 1954 production was moved to Wilhelmshaven, but unfortunately bankruptcy soon followed.
By 1955 the company had managed to get back on its feet and started to produce a four wheeled competitor to BMW's Isetta. However, market competition towards the end of the decade from Fiat and BMW was fierce and Germany failed to recognise the Fuldamobil, so Karl Schmitt was forced to sell the licences to other countries and the cars were sold under different names such as the 'Nobel 200' in the UK, the 'Bambino' in Holland and the 'Attica' in Greece. These countries saw another side to this little car and it sold admirably until 1969.
Powered by the original Baker Polling 250cc, single cylinder, two stroke engine this car is the only model of its type known to exist and the oldest known Fuldamobil in the world. It was formally displayed in the world famous 'Störy Museum' in Germany and it was the 22nd car built by the factory.
It has been the subject of a complete restoration in the past few months including replacement of the ash body frame, re-skinned in plywood and recovered in new fabric to the original specifications and colours. Now presented in immaculate condition, the N-1 represents a fascinating part of early microcar history and has a particular charm that sets it apart from other cars of its era.