Aero-cyclecar with a Harley heart: Vahuer

• 
• 
• 
• 

Lots of scrapped material from the past conflict remainded after WWII: tanks, trucks, cars and aeroplanes were languishing in big yards awaiting final dismantling. Or for repairs for an next civil life. Racing was picked up again, but most entries were prewar machinery, recommissioned good or bad. Another option was a brand new design, but money was tight, so, what to do? Easy, build a racer with your own hands.

This was the thought of the engineer of the way-out car depicted: Mr. Huerta, a top mechanic who wanted to take part in the popular 1.100 cc racing class. He made a rigid body with super lights panels from an aeroplane, and as this material was back then was impossible to weld, he riveted the panels together. One can debate the esthetics, but the weight got was really low.

The intention of the builder was to use an engine from a small car, but as he couldn't get hold of the right thing he bought an 1930s Harley Davison and used the heavy V2 engine in the car. Although the ultralight racer showed up at the Spanish tracks only a few times we're glad the "Vahuer" has been saved to this day as witness of combined scarcity and ingenuity.

Text and photos: Francisco Carríon

Originally published on 5 October 2013

Make a comment, ask a question, give your opinion, share additional information or start a discussion by filling in the fields below.