Puzzle #212 - Solved! 1947 Dolo

[Otto Puzzell]

Know what it is?

Please, respond below and let us know the make and model designation of the car posted here.

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Thanks!

[Tifosi]

German?


Dan

[Allan L]

I reckon it's a Gatso (also sometimes a Gatford), probably an early one as they later had three headlamps (well Maurice Gatsonides (who built 'em) was a rally driver!)

[SeaLion]

It is the french Dolo JB-4 from 1947. It had a 571 cm³ 4-cyl boxer engine and independent suspension both front and rear. Dolo also constructed a 1142 cm³ 8-cyl boxer engine, but that was never mounted in any car. Dolo folded in 1948.

[porridgehead]

It never ceases to amaze me how many automobile manufacturers that I have never even heard of, despite countless hours of researching obscure and little known automobiles.  Gatso, that I've heard of (wonderfully monstrous things, those), but Dolo?  Even worse, SeaLion seemingly popped of the top of his head like there was a Dolo dealership located a block away with a couple of these beauties gracing the front lot.

Much to learn, have I.

[MG]

That is very possibly the ugliest freaking automobile I have ever seen!   

[Arthur Dent]

Looks like an older "Homer-mobile"

[Granttt73]

I understand (from searching after "Dolo" was revealed as the make) that it might have been a swindle all along.   I've seen one Gatso pic--last year--and Mr. Gatso would be insulted at the hateful insinuation he had anything to do with this, um, Dolo.  Dodo would be a great model name--the Dolo Dodo.  )  

[Allan L]

Here's a Gatso: different, of course, but perhaps you can see the similarity and I'd say both were hardly shapes to be proud of, even in the 1940s

[porridgehead]

The Gatso cabriolet was a much more attractive automobile. Of course, "Attractive" is very, very relative. Think Roseanne Barr vs Divine.

Errrr... let's not think that.

[Granttt73]

It's all opinion, but since I see Gatsos as really ugly, and the Dolo as, um, maybe six steps below that, I felt even Mr. Gatso would be angry at the association.  These are clearer shots than I ever saw of Gatsos, thanks!

[Allan L]

These are clearer shots than I ever saw of Gatsos, thanks!

Of course these days a Gatso is an automatic speed camera (aka money sponge) so it takes the clearer shots of us and the name is  much reviled in the UK

[Otto Puzzell]

Some Gatso's were not unattractive. This example is being sold by Christies at Retromobile 2007.

http://www.finecars.cc/en/detail/car/6927/index.html?no_cache=1&tx_anamerashowroom_pi1%5Bpointer%5D=2-7&tx_anamerashowroom_pi1%5BFILTER%5D%5Bdealer%5D=608&tx_anamerashowroom_pi1%5BRET%5D=204&tx_anamerashowroom_pi1%5BMODE%5D=dealer

[Allan L]

Some Gatso's were not unattractive. This example is being sold by Christies at Retromobile 2007.

I wonder what engine it has: 1493cc six in  1949 which doesn't ring any sort of bell with me. Even the photo doesn't help.

[porridgehead]

Pre-war Fiat, as used in the 1500 - produced until 1948

[Wendax]

I know that it is a repost, but makes a good puzzle nevertheless I think.

For one point, please respond and identify this car.

[Wendax]

up

[richard cuyler]

Rear engined French car?

[Wendax]

Not rear engined, but it is French indeed.

[Wendax]

up again

[oko94]

Based on a mass-produced French chassis ?

[Wendax]

No

[oko94]

Bespoke chassis ?

[Wendax]

Yes

[Djetset]

Any Salmson connection?