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While not a household name, Victor Bouffort (1912-1995) was a prolific French inventor of the mid-20th century. He began working as an aeronautics engineer in the 1930s, and decided to try his hand at designing automobiles after World War II. He is credited with designing several one-off microcars. The French military also commissioned Bouffort to

While touring Germany in 1956, Soichiro Honda and financial chief Takeo Fujisawa noticed the popularity of mopeds and small motorcycles. Fujisawa had been thinking about a new product that would help Honda expand into other markets. Soichiro was given a new design brief: a small yet powerful motorcycle, in between a scooter and a full

Derny began production in 1949, specializing in the manufacture of auxiliary-engined bicycles and tandems, all powered by proprietary engines. The Derny Taon, or “Horse fly” was unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motorcycle Show. It was the creation of one of France’s most noted industrial designers, Roger Tallon, and looked like nothing else on the road.

The Pli-Solex is the folding version of the Solex 5000. The frame folds in the center, and the handlebars, seat, and engine may be removed to allow for easier transport or storage. While most Pli-Solexes came in orange, as seen here, they also came in a light blue color. Specifications: Manufacturer: SolexCountry of Origin: FranceEngine:

Solex released the Micron, its most diminutive model, at the end of 1967. Powered by the engine from the larger 3800 model, the Micron represents a bit of a misstep for the Solex company. One of the main draws of the VéloSoleX was the ability to have motorized transport without all of the “hassle” of

There are certain scenes that spring to mind when thinking of Italy. The Colosseum in Rome, the gondolas on the canals of Venice, and narrow roads filled with Vespa scooters. Enrico Piaggio was the principal of the Piaggio aircraft company, founded by his father and based in a factory in Pontedera, Tuscany. At the end