Quiz Archive

About Quiz # 278: 1941 Mildé-Kriéger (UPDATE , spelling)

Mildé and Kriéger with accentCharles Mildé was one of the leading makers of electric vehicles in France. His first effort dates from 1898. Louis Kriéger was an electrical engineer who formed his own company in 1897 and by 1898 was making complete vehicles. When in 1940 France was occupied by the German forces normal fuel became difficult to obtain and together Mildé and Kriéger designed an electrical motor which they fitted in the 1939 La Licorne. Known as the Milde-Krieger some 100 to 150 were made between March 1941 and July 1942, but then their licence was withdrawn by the German authorities. After the war almost all were destroyed or fittet with a petrol engine. Our quiz car is reputed to be the only remaining Milde-Krieger. Five correct answers this week, from Fredi Vollenweider, Frederick Scherer, James Helms, Nicolas Brondel and Bruno Estibals. It was difficult to differentiate between these answers, but in the end we thought the answer by James Helms was most informative, not only did he recognize where we took the photograph, but he also gave additional information about the Milde-Krieger. Congratulations James with your first win! The T-shirt will be on its way.

UPDATE by jury member Thomas Rudolf: The correct spelling is:  Mildé and Kriéger; so an accent on both names)



See read more for James’ answer

James Helms: “The automobile featured is a Milde-Krieger electric circa 1941. This was an electric conversion of the La Licorne and the name is taken from the designers, Charles Milde and Louis Krieger, who each produced electric vehicles as early as 1898. The gear lever had four positions which allowed two speeds forward using the two battery packs in parallel or separately. The accelerator pedal operated a rheostat to control motor speed. Alternative energy sources were required to offset WWII fuel shortages. This particular car, shown at Retromobile 2009, is reputed to be the last of slightly more than 100 produced.”

Friday, 09 July 2010