A mystery motor in miniature

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Supposedly taken in the streets of Brussels in November 1930, this fascinating photograph shows a man checking the underside of a small car.

Now, looking at the number plate of the car behind it, it certainly seems to fit the Belgian setting, but the vehicle which receives the most attention here has a different style plate and looks to be of different origins – French, perhaps? The number 3941-X1 or 3941-XL may hail from there, possibly from the Deux-Sèvres department? We’re happy to be taught more.

The size of the plate also gives an indication to the actual size of the car itself: it’s tiny, but there does indeed appear to be an exhaust running through the chassis, so this is no pedal car but one with a real combustion engine. The horizontally-placed tank at the back is evidence of that, too. Also the suspension looks fairly serious, as does the radiator with its honeycomb pattern. Could the man just be a passer-by who wanted to check what was underneath it himself? His interference does make identification of the vehicle more difficult for us here…

Words: Jeroen Booij; picture: i Media Cities
 

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