Leyat Hélica 2H Conduite Intérieure
In 1921 aircraft builder Marcel Leyat designed this revolutionary vehicle. His philosophy was simple: low weight, streamlined shape and straightforward engineering would enable high speed.
The propeller car
The Hélica is driven by a large front-mounted propeller powered by an air-cooled two-cylinder engine. As a result, no gearbox or clutch was needed. The car can only move forward under its own power; reversing requires a push, which is easy thanks to its weight of only 250 kilograms. The steering wheel controls the rear steering axle. The fixed front axle carries drum brakes with four brake shoes per wheel, operated by two brake pedals. Its light weight and fish-shaped body allow a top speed of 90 km/h. This closed version seats two people in tandem.
This Hélica remained in the possession of the Peugeot family, its first owner, and is still completely original. It was driven from 1921 to 1925, after which it was stored in a garage near Beaune. When German troops fled in 1944, they used the car as an escape vehicle. The soldier behind the wheel was unfamiliar with the unusual steering and quickly crashed into an apple tree, damaging the propeller and abandoning the car. This incident ensured its survival. Around 1970 the car was moved to storage in Paris. At the end of 2024 the grandson of the first owner decided it was time to share the vehicle with the public.