Voisin’s Biscooter? But they made Luxury Cars! Right? More about that later. After WW II, Spain needs affordable cars. And the Voisin Biscooter fit the bill perfectly. Autonacional S. A. of Barcelona bought the rights to produce it from French manufacturer, Voisin.
Voisin and quirky, affordable cars? How did that happen? Post-WW II economic crisis ravages Spain, and triggers an acute demand for transportation. Meanwhile in 1947, brilliant French auto manufacturer Gabriel Voisin, has just designed a small minimalist vehicle resembling two scooters. Hence the name: “Biscooter.” Unfortunately, it’s unsuccessful in France. But it’s exactly what the Spanish need. There, it acquires the Spanish name “Biscuiter” and manufacturing commences in 1953.
Biscooter Specs
The unusual Biscooter has a 1 cylinder, 197 cc engine that churns out a whopping 9 HP! A total of 12,000 were manufactured in Spain, by the time production ended in the early 60s. In Spain, it is commonly called the “Zapatilla” – a footwear common to Spanish peasants.
Gabriel Voisin definitely “went to town” with the original design. The minimalist Biscooter has no roof or doors. It doesn’t even have a reverse gear! I guess, like a scooter, you simply roll it back! Other quirky features involve power only to the front right wheel, and braking involving a combination of the transmission and tie cables to the rear wheels. Voisin did however did stick to his aluminum body with the Biscooter. It was later replaced by steel. But don’t judge Voisin by this peculiar vehicle; the Biscooter comes from a fine stable of cars.
Quick History of Voisin
Gabriel, and his younger brother Charles, Voisin were born in the 1880s. Very close, they are very mechanically gifted and enjoy tinkering with technology at an early age.
They hold the distinction of manufacturing the first aircraft in Europe, after the United States. In fact, Appareils d’Aviation Les Frères Voisin is recognized as the first manufacturer of commercial aircraft.
Unfortunately, in 1912, Charles dies in a car accident. Despite this setback, Gabriel continues making planes for the French military in WW I. But he was affected by the use of his aircraft in the War. He decides to concentrate on making cars instead.
Thus began Avion Voisin’s phase of manufacturing a wide range of beautiful luxury cars.
Voisin’s Luxury Car Range
Avion Viosin commenced the production of automobiles in 1919. Gabriel is a trained industrial designer. His designs are impressive, and are a joy to behold even now. One pioneering aspect of Voisin’s cars is the use of aluminum for the body. Like all auto manufacturers, Voisin participates in races– which help in their improvement.
Voisin’s most beautiful offerings range from the late 1920s through the mid-30s. These automobiles are works of passion. Expensive and innovative, and catering to luxury buyers, Voisin cars are not a commercial success. Here are, just some examples. Notice the sweeping lines, and low-slung chassis.
By the late 30s, the company is in dire straits. Gabriel Voisin eventually sells his factory to Issy-les-Moulineaux in 1937. Even after that, the company still struggles to survive. Then comes WW II.
Birth of the Voisin “Biscooter”
Gabriel Voisin is not one to give up. Always busy, and developing something new. After the War, he develops his newest creation. It is far removed from his large, pre-War streamlined, powerful, luxury creations.
Times have changed, and he comes out with a car that is cheap to make, maintain, and affordable for the common person. In post-War France, with the new trend for frugality, he feels this car makes sense. But he probably goes a little too frugal, and despite its quirky, interesting design, it doesn’t catches on.
And so, the Biscooter finds its way to Spain, where it is given a Spanish nomenclature. It continues to evolve there with around 12,000 made through the 50s. The last Biscuiter was made in 1960. Avion Voisin is another example of beautifully unique French auto design. Even the Biscooter is a forerunner of the compact cars that would dominate roads in Europe. Gabriel Voisin lived until 1973, when he died at a ripe old age of 93.
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