Puzzle #154 - Solved! Eliot Cricket III

Otto Puzzell · December 28, 2006, 08:17:02 AM

Know what it is?

Please, respond below and let us know what make and model you think you see here.

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Thanks!

MG · December 29, 2006, 09:39:19 PM

DANGER, Will Robinson! DANGER!!!!!

porridgehead · December 29, 2006, 10:28:30 PM

Having decided that his tinfoil hat was effectively protecting his brain, Scott's next project was his car.

Otto Puzzell · January 04, 2007, 04:30:05 AM

None of the above.

The device at the top has the same function (though not the same configuration) as a 'safety feature' currently in vogue.

Tifosi · January 04, 2007, 02:54:01 PM

My guess is that the device at the top is akin to the modern CHMSL, but I still have no idea what kind of vehicle it is. I'm guessing late '30's, and most likely American or European manufacturer...

Dan

porridgehead · January 04, 2007, 03:38:55 PM

And here I was thinking it was a hot air balloon. Silly me.

Otto Puzzell · January 04, 2007, 04:50:06 PM

Quote from: Tifosi on January 04, 2007, 02:54:01 PM
My guess is that the device at the top is akin to the modern CHMSL, but I still have no idea what kind of vehicle it is. I'm guessing late '30's, and most likely American or European manufacturer...

Dan

Not a CHMSL. Your geographical guess is sound, however.

Otto Puzzell · January 04, 2007, 04:50:28 PM

Quote from: porridgehead on January 04, 2007, 03:38:55 PM
And here I was thinking it was a hot air balloon. Silly me.

Yes, quite.

Arthur Dent · January 04, 2007, 05:47:23 PM

I'd suspect a navigation device of some sort.

Otto Puzzell · January 05, 2007, 05:16:38 AM

Well....sort of.

MG · January 05, 2007, 08:00:01 AM

I think the excresence on the roof is a distant kin to the satellite radio antennae so much in vogue today. Some sort of radio antenna, most likely for receiving code burst transmissions from intergalactic travellers like Zaphed Beeblebrox or the like.

It is clearly rear engined, so I am going to guess it is a VW or NSU based thingamabob and was some sort of emergency vehicle used in moutainous terrain where radio reception was poor. Perhaps it was designed to replace the fabled Saint Bernard in Alpine rescue missions? The fact that it has no fenders is a clue. Unfortunately, I have no idea what it is a clue TO!

Otto Puzzell · January 05, 2007, 10:55:09 AM

No, it doesn't accept transmissions, radio or otherwise. It emits radiation.

MG · January 05, 2007, 11:21:52 AM

It emits radiation

What? LIke a sound truck?

Or radiation as in radar waves?

Its a mystery to me why the device on top has little winglets on it or why the "tail" has a vestigial dorsal fin. Both would indicate some sort of aerodynamic assistance, but why a vehicle that clearly has a top speed of 37.2 kph would NEED such assistance, I cannot figure.

Perhaps a land speed record in the Ugly Vehicle category?

Tifosi · January 05, 2007, 12:06:58 PM

It's a prototype of Corbin's taxi from THE FIFTH ELEMENT.

Dan

Otto Puzzell · January 05, 2007, 12:54:01 PM

Not a sound (unless it squeaks) or radar emitter.

Not a Fifth Element Taxi prototype.

MG · January 05, 2007, 06:03:38 PM

Not a sound (unless it squeaks) or radar emitter.

Well, then it must be a light. Unless it is scent emitter.

Otto Puzzell · January 06, 2007, 03:46:59 AM

QuoteWell, then it must be a light.

Yes!

MG · January 06, 2007, 03:46:55 PM

GREAT!

Now all I need know is who built it and why and I will be able to die happy!

The only reason I can think of for such a light would be for use as a "Follow Me" car at an airport. Either that, or as a clever device to lure unsuspecting motorists in the Alps to drive over a cliff and kill themselves.

Oh, wait! How about a pace car kinda thingie?

As you can tell, being privy to the knowledge that this thing has a big damn light on the roof advances my understanding of it origins or history not at all.....

SeaLion · January 06, 2007, 04:03:16 PM

Perhaps it was a research vehicle to test UV head-lights (black light)?

All the tin foil was probably there to avoid that the peoples inside the car got heavy sun-burns.

Otto Puzzell · January 07, 2007, 02:22:32 AM

Not a UV light, a 'follow me' light, a pace-car thingy, or an over-the-cliff lure.

GTO48 · January 07, 2007, 04:27:44 AM

Based on the appearance of the tires, Is it from the 50's?

Is it based on VW underpinnings?

Is it's purpose for remote radio/TV broadcasting?

Otto Puzzell · January 07, 2007, 06:58:52 AM

it is a contemporary of the very earliest Beetles, and shares some similar features, though I don't think their are any VW parts in this car.

This vehicle is designed to do only what ordinary cars did, only differently. It has no special purpose beyond the transport of people and some of their belongings.

Arthur Dent · January 07, 2007, 02:22:19 PM

Is it possibly an attempt at a self driving car?

Otto Puzzell · January 08, 2007, 03:21:11 AM

No sir. Here is another view of the car. This should clear things right up!

Ultra · January 08, 2007, 03:23:52 AM

Quote from: KarnUtz on January 08, 2007, 03:21:11 AM
This should clear things right up!

Yep. Clear as mud.

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Puzzle #154 - Solved! Eliot Cricket III