Topic: SOLVED: Djetset #403 - SEREM Biwa

[Djetset]

A point awaits the first puzzler to correctly identify this little gem.

[Brazilian88]

Maybe its a Zagato Zele (Elcar in US)?

[Djetset]

No, it's not the work of Zagato.

[Djetset]

Up for some expertise.

[DeAutogids]

Is it French?

[Djetset]

I suspect so (the photo was taken in France) but I am not 100% certain.

[DeAutogids]

small capacity engine??

[Oguerrerob]

Cicostar

[Djetset]

Not a Cicostar, but it does have a small-capacity engine.

[cmetisse]

Mr. Djetset had a piece of chance : he discovered a very, very rare example of the Biwa.

Prototypes were built by SEREM, of Six-Fours-les-Plages, then by Baumier, of Toulon. A very short run of "serial" production happened at Baumier...
The year is 1978, and the engine is the 47,6 cc Sachs with automatic 2 speed gearbox, shared with many of our voiturettes of that era ! 

[Djetset]

Dear Mr CMetisse, your knowledge amazes me, as I thought this one may eventually make it into the dreaded Black Hole!  Thanks for your very complete answer.  Here's a front view of the Biwa as well for those like to record insignificant moments in motoring history as well.

[cmetisse]

It's just that I'm doing extensive searchs about the modern french history of microcars !

But please, just tell me where you've seen this Biwa ?
I know only one example, with this same body : in Jura, a friend of mine has saved one.

There was another version of the Biwa, without the hard-top and doors.

[Wendax]

One Biwa made it all the way to Thailand:

[SeremBiwa]

Bonjour,

Je connais une Biwa en France, qui fut livrée neuve à Salon de Provence, elle est aujourd'hui dans son jus d'origine et en état de marche.

Photo ci-joint de la voiture, sale mais en bon état.

J'ai apprécié lire les informations sur la marque que "cmetisse" a pu nous donner, la voiture dispose de ses carnets d'époque avec les slogans, caractéristiques techniques et photos de presse. Cependant il ne livre pas toutes ces réponses :

- Qui est le créateur de SEREM et de la Biwa?
- Combien d'exemplaires sont sortis de l'usine?
- Qu'est devenue cette marque?

Si quelqu'un a des informations, n'hésitez pas, c'est avec plaisir.

Bonne journeé

ENGLISH VERSION :

I know a Biwa in France, which was delivered new to Salon de Provence, it is today in its original condition and in working order.

Attached picture of the car, dirty but in good condition.

I enjoyed reading the information about the brand that "cmetisse" was able to give us, the car has its period notebooks with slogans, technical specifications and press photos. However it does not give all these answers:

- Who is the creator of SEREM and the Biwa?
- How many copies came out of the factory?
- What has become of this brand?

If anyone has any information, do not hesitate, it is with pleasure.

Have a nice day