Inter Autoscooter
| Company type | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Defunct | 1958 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Three-wheeled microcars (Torpedo, Berline) |
| Parent | SNCAN |
The Inter Autoscooter was a French three-wheeled microcar that is no longer in production, first unveiled at the 1953 Paris Motor Show.[1][2] Manufactured from 1954 until 1958, the total output comprised just 300 examples across two variants: the open-top Torpedo and the enclosed Berline.[2] By 2017, roughly 30 units were still known to exist.[3]
Design
Created by the aerospace company SNCAN, the Inter’s design draws heavily from aviation concepts. It offers tandem seating beneath a canopy that hinges open, along with a single windshield wiper, one headlight, and yoke-based steering controls.[1][3][4] The vehicle employs a six-volt electrical system that powers a Westinghouse gyrostarter—a helicopter-inspired starter mechanism operated via lever—which contributed to its reputation for being unreliable.[2][5][4] Both the engine and fuel tank are positioned at the rear. The rarity of its specialized parts results in higher maintenance expenses.[2]
Initial versions featured front wheels designed to retract beneath the chassis, reducing the width from to , intended to enhance handling and facilitate parking in confined areas.[2][1][3][4] This mechanism was eventually abandoned due to its impractical nature. The maximum speed achievable by the Inter is around .[2][5]
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