Géza Szám
Géza Szám (1866-1948) studied watchmaking but became interested
in cars. So he went to France and studied the DeDion-Bouton voiturette.
Post. His idea was rejected but
he copied the DeDion pattern and made a tricycle. It was powered by a 3
HP engine and was exhibited at the first Hungarian Automobile Exhibition.
The accompanying description said it was entirely Hungarian work.
Then he finally reached a deal with the Hungarian Post and supplied a car:
"Four-stroke De Dion Bouton-system 3.25 HP self-made petrol engine, electric
ignition. Two-speed transmission. Cardan-shaft and differential built into
the rear axle. Angle-iron frame, two semi-elliptic supporting springs.
Wooden spokes, tires: 700x80 mm, two-seater open body, 0.4 m3
container at the rear. Loading capacity: 300 kg, max. speed 5-20 km/h".
This car was used by the Post for years.
In 1903 another car was built, but then Szá realised there aren't
any other customers so he went to repairing, garaging cars and then he
became the Hungarian representative for Delaunay-Belleville.
In 1909 he costructed an
interesting body on a Humber
This voiturette established the small car principle for the
early XXth century and found many "interpreters" around the world.
Copyright and Copy, 1997: Paul
NegyesiBudapest, Hungary.