Messerschmitt KR175

[Big Al]

Red Flags - This is about when the Amish decided progress had gone far enough isn't it? Perhaps they are right?

Ugg of Peru invented the first car before history was invented. Sadly he also invented the first fatal car crash. It was blamed on round wheels so they were banned except for children's toys in South America thereafter.

Indeed Ledwinka had his best ideas nicked and fate saw him on the wrong side of the iron curtain or who knows what he might have made. There was actually a 'secret' payoff for infringing the designs leading to the Beetle and Porche. Czechoslovakia were the third biggest industrialised country at the time of war and were one of the big losers. Tatra themselves made many very interesting creations. It is quite good fun to watch you tube of the Tatra Trucks mudplugging with their 'radial diff drive system', cannot remember correct name.

[marcus]

Not really secret, but a huge out-of-court settlement as VW's defence was crumbling. Poor old Ledwinka did not live long enough to benefit from it, but when he died he probably knew that it would go in his favour, and that those who look beyond the facade would know that it was he, not Porsche who designed the Beetle.