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1902 Serpollet Type H

1902 Serpollet Type H

1902 Serpollet Type H

Aimed at winning the 1903 Partis-Madrid race, Serpollet prepared a team of Type H race-abouts. Seven of these steam powered cars were made for the race, all of which finished.

Special attention should be focused on the aerodynamics of this car. This was one of the first cars ever to invest in a streamlined boadystyle which aided in speeding the car up to 74 mph! Such speed made this car the world record holder for topspeed in 1902.

Weight distribution was also good as the engine sat directly under the seats, in the middle of the car. One drawback to this setup is a high seating position, resulting in a high center of gravity.

Of the orginal seven cars produced, the only survivor is pictured above. It currently resides as part of the Schlumpf collection in France.

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
engine Steam-Powered Inline-4
position Mid Longitudinal
power 29.8 kw / 40 bhp
driven wheels RWD
f brake size mm / in
r brake size mm / in
f suspension Rigid Axle w/Leaf Springs
r suspension Live Axle w/Leaf Springs
wheelbase 2530 mm / 99.6 in
gear ratios :1
top speed ~119.1 kph / 74.0 mph