Bassons’s Star

Basson’s Industries of the Bronx, New York was behind this car, which was styled by Gil d’Andrea. It was presented in 1956, at the same time, when huge cars with a V8 under the hood were extremely popular in the USA.

The unusual open-topped two-piece glassfibre body was quite compact at 125 in (3170 mm) long and had a sizeable luggage area in the rear. Weighing 400 lb (181 kg), it used a small Ilo single-cylinder two-stroke engine and was claimed to average 80 mpg (2.94 l/100 km).  Ideal for short haul delivery and for ease of parking.

Thanks to the three-wheeled chassis, the car was very maneuverable – the turning radius was only 1.5 m. Features included independent rear suspension, hydraulic brakes and a steering wheel that was described as “airplane-type”. Even priced at just $999, it found very few buyers. Basson’s was also involved with the Martin Stationette and the Tri-Car Suburbanette.

Specifications:

• Engine: Ilo, single-cyliner, two-stroke
• Top speed: 112 km/h
• Fuel consumption: 80 mpg (2.94 l/100 km)
• Overall dimensions: 3170×1200×1000 mm
• Weight: 400 lb (181 kg)