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Driving planes or flying cars?

Ever since the aeroplane and the automobile were developed, clever inventors have been trying to combine the two. In 1921 Frenchman René Tampier came up with an interesting solution when he tried to solve several problem in one go, for instance what to do when landing in a fog; garaging the aeroplane or how to transport it on the ground. Apart from the propeller-driven engine he also mounted a 300hp Hispano-Suiza engine, added four wheels and foldable wings. According to a contemporary report -with many photos- it was as easy to fly as to drive. We believe the flying part, although we shudder at the thought what could happen while driving over the Champs Elysees in Paris and accidentally engaging the propeller!
At the next Bonhams auction in Paris (February 2nd) there will be for sale a twelve-page brochure that describes this plane annex automobile, including a flight and a drive to the Paris Salon on 11th Nov 1921. Look for lot 21.

Tuesday, 24 January 2012