Mathis VL 333 (1946)

Инженер Жан Андре (Jean Andreau) был неунывающим пропагандистом обтекаемых аэродинамических кузовов для автомобилей.

Помимо создания своего самого известного прототипа для Пежо - Peugeot 402 Andreau, он принимал участие в разработке спортивного Talbot 150 C, а перед самой войной сделал несколько прототипов для фирмы Delage.

Сразу после освобождения в 1945 году Жан Андре разработал аэродинамический кузов для трехколесного автомобиля Mathis VL 333, передние колеса которого приводил в движение оппозитный двухцилиндровый двигатель объемом 700 см³. Этот симпатичный автомобильчик благодаря обтекаемой форме расходовал всего три литра бензина на 100 км, однако серийного выпуска эта модель так и не дождалась.

The designs for the Mathis 333 started in 1940 in the factory of Ste Mathis, Gennevilliers in total secrecy was Paris was under the occupation. The vehicle was code named VEL 333 which meant Light Economical Car with 3 wheels, 3 seats and 3 litres to the 100km. Under the guidance of Emile Mathis, the “Mathis 333“ was designed by Jean Andreau and was powered by a 707cc, flat twin, water-cooled engine that featured separate radiators for each cylinder. Externally the vehicle was very futuristic in appearance for its day. With its aluminium body the car weighed 840 pounds (381kg). The vehicle was presented at the 1946 Paris Motor show but never went into production as it appears apparent that the French Government were not going to authorise production of the vehicle. As a result only 10 vehicles were made.

In 1948 a new design was drawn up for a vehicle that was powered by an 80 bhp, 2.8 litre front-wheel drive flat 6. The vehicle again was a futuristic saloon that featured a “panoramic windscreen” but again the vehicle never went into production and Mathis ceased as a company in 1950.