Dolo JB-10

The story of Dolo JB is a vivid example of a successful car swindle. In 1947, three enthusiasts created the BDG company in France, and under this brand they begin to design their car. As a result, they got a front-wheel-drive two-seat prototype with a domed plexiglass roof, reminiscent of a garden greenhouse.

The JB-10 was powered by a 592 cc engine with a capacity of 23 hp, which was aggregated with a 4-speed gearbox. There was a bigger version, the Dolo JB-20, a four-seater with the same engine characteristics as if two JB-10 engines were combined. The 1184cc engine with horizontally positioned cylinders produced 44 horsepower thanks to eight tiny cylinders.

The prototype was shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1947, and surprisingly, attracted the interest of visitors. However, no one was able to make sure whether the prototype was really able to move, and the three designers themselves were not eager to show it.

However, Dolo JB booked around 200 people over the next few exhibitions, with some expressing a desire to invest in the project. After some time, having collected a significant amount of money, the owners of BDG fled in an unknown direction, and in 1948 the company was liquidated by court order.

At least two JB-10 prototypes are known to have been built. One of them surfaced at the Artcurial auction in 2018, and judging by the description, the car was equipped with a Simca 6 engine and could well move. For this, far from the most beautiful car, someone decided to pay as much as 27,416 euros.