UPDATE 5/28/2013
UPDATE: How did I miss these!!
:)
Willy and Jerri Wiley are long-term, active members of my local BMW CCA Connecticut Valley Chapter. They own an 02, I believe, but they also own this Farmobil!
Departing The Hawthorne Inn
The latter 3 pics are from Harry B!
UPDATE: How did I miss these!!
:)
Pics above by Brad Day
Willy and Jerri Wiley are long-term, active members of my local BMW CCA Connecticut Valley Chapter. They own an 02, I believe, but they also own this Farmobil!
Farmobil
First studies of the Farmobil, a light allround vehicle, started in 1955 by the well known German agricultural machinery manufacturer FAHR AG, based in Gottmadingen. The Original design brief specified a maximum all up weight of 1.000 kg, wheelbase of 5 feet 11 inches, track of 4 feet 5 inches, 20 hp engine and 5 speed gearbox to achieve an expected 50mp/h top speed. In 1956, the first prototype chassis is officially presented. It is equipped with a Horex Emperator, parallel twin cylinder, motorcycle engine. Due to incurable reliability problems associated with vibration and overheating this engine choice was soon dropped.
A second prototype was developed with a round form body, featuring a single opening front door (as per Isetta) and now using the Bmw 600 engine with a conventional 4 speed gearbox (also taken from the Bmw 600). This Farmobil was presented to the press in July 1959, with an estimated selling price below 4.000 DM.
The unique front door design received mixed comments from potential customers. Another new design version followed. It would still keep the round form body, but was now fitted with 2 small conventional doors on the sides. This version used numerous mechanical components from the Bmw 700 LS, namely engine, gearbox, gear shift lever, brakes, wheels, hubs and bearings. In order to complete the homologation tests the first 15 units were built as design mules on the Fahr tractor assembly line.
A second prototype was developed with a round form body, featuring a single opening front door (as per Isetta) and now using the Bmw 600 engine with a conventional 4 speed gearbox (also taken from the Bmw 600). This Farmobil was presented to the press in July 1959, with an estimated selling price below 4.000 DM.
The unique front door design received mixed comments from potential customers. Another new design version followed. It would still keep the round form body, but was now fitted with 2 small conventional doors on the sides. This version used numerous mechanical components from the Bmw 700 LS, namely engine, gearbox, gear shift lever, brakes, wheels, hubs and bearings. In order to complete the homologation tests the first 15 units were built as design mules on the Fahr tractor assembly line.
Willy and Jerri Wiley
Thanks to Ed THE POOLEMAN (Official Minister Plenipotentiary from Baurspotting to the Vintage) for these pics!
Pic from Collin Madison Blackburn
Here are some pics from a CVC event where Willy and Jerri graciously provided rides in their Farmobil!
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