1/18 scratchbuilt Hirano Valmobile folding scooter

[Falklandia]

Hi everyone!

The Valmobile Suitcase Scooter fwas one of the creations of French inventor Victor Bouffort. This portable scooter started its life in France, but its rights were bought by Hirano in Japan in the second half of the fifties. There, it was produced until 1961 and exported to Europe and the US. 

This  motor scooter weighed 75 pounds and measured 27.5 x 14 x 24.5 inches for storage in a “boat, plane, car, closet or basement” and could be unfolded and ready to ride in “30 seconds” according to their advertisements. 

The engine was a 49cc 2-stroke that had a kick starter, automatic transmission (centrifugal clutch type), and was advertised to get up to 165 miles per gallon fuel economy and to go up to 35 miles per hour.

Its initial production by Martin & Moulet was interrupted in 1956, and its license was bought by Hirano, which produced it until 1961.