Louwman Museum unveils spectacular 1921 Leyat Hélica
The Louwman Museum welcomes one of the most unusual vehicles in automotive history: the 1921 Leyat Hélica 2H Conduite Intérieure. This propeller-driven car, designed by French aircraft builder Marcel Leyat, shows how advanced mobility already was more than a century ago.
A plane without wings, that was the nickname of the automobile at its 1913 introduction. The Hélica earned this name because of the large propeller mounted at the front. The propeller, connected to an air-cooled two-cylinder engine, drives the four-wheeled car. As a result, gearbox and clutch are unnecessary. Reversing only works with a push, which is easy thanks to the low weight of 250 kilograms. Steering is done with the rear axle, and the front axle is equipped with drum brakes operated by double pedals. After years of development, the first production model of the Hélica appeared in 1921. Although around 600 people showed interest at the Paris Motor Show, Leyat built only 30 examples. Reportedly only three remain, and the Hélica at the Louwman Museum is the only one with a closed body, a Conduite Intérieure.
Story full of adventure
The Leyat Hélica at the Louwman Museum carries chassis number 004 and was originally built and used by Marcel Leyat as a development vehicle. He soon sold the car to the Peugeot family for private use. Only in 2025 did the family of the first owner decide to part with it. The grandson of that first owner felt it was time to share this unique car with the public. For the Louwman Museum, adding this extremely rare Hélica fulfills a long-held wish, as it represents a unique piece of automotive history.
