Car or Motorcycle? No it's Bi-Autogo!

Unique ONES - When you hear the term V8 engine, your mind likely conjures up images of a powerful engine with a V-shaped configuration, four cylinders on each side, and a roaring muscle car with a large capacity engine. However, the first vehicle to use a V8 engine wasn’t a car at all, and this fact may surprise you. It was actually a motorcycle-like vehicle, though not exactly what you might imagine. This unique creation, named the Bi-Autogo, holds the title of the first vehicle to feature a V8 engine.

The Bi-Autogo was a prototype American motorcycle, built-in 1913 by Detroit artist & engineer James Scripps-Booth. (Picture from: AutoBlog)

The Bi-Autogo, as detailed by Time magazine, was designed between 1908 and 1912, with a prototype completed in 1913. Its creator, James Scripps-Booth, was both an artist and an engineer from Detroit, who envisioned something entirely different for the world of transportation. While technically a two-wheeled vehicle, the Bi-Autogo had certain design elements that set it apart from other motorcycles of the time, making it look more like a hybrid between a motorcycle and a car.

The 1913 Scripps Booth in its heyday. (Picture from: Time)

One of the Bi-Autogo’s standout features was its pair of wooden wheels, each with a 94 cm (37-inch) diameter. These large wheels were necessary to support the vehicle’s significant weight of 1,451 kg (3,200 lbs). However, the weight posed a challenge when the vehicle moved at low speeds. To prevent it from tipping over, small stabilizing wheels were installed on both sides, providing extra support during slow maneuvers. This clever design allowed the Bi-Autogo to maintain balance and avoid accidents.

Rear side view of the 1913 Scripps Booth while on display of the Owl Head Transportation Museum. (Picture from: KenMorrisJr in Flickr)

Constructed with an aluminum body, the Bi-Autogo showcased an array of advanced features for its time. Most notably, it was among the first vehicles to incorporate a steering wheel, a feature common in cars but not in motorcycles. The integration didn’t stop there—it was also the first vehicle to place the horn button directly on the steering wheel, offering convenience to the driver. In addition, Scripps-Booth added folding armrests to enhance the comfort of those riding this unconventional vehicle, a feature that had never been seen before.

The Bi-Autogo wasn’t just about design innovation; it also boasted an impressive 6,300 cc engine. This engine, while large in displacement, produced a modest 45 horsepower (33.5 kW), which was relatively low compared to modern standards. This was likely due to the technological limitations of the early 20th century, which restricted the engine’s performance capabilities. Despite the underwhelming horsepower, the vehicle’s unique attributes made it stand out as a one-of-a-kind invention.

Rear side view of the 1913 Scripps Booth Bi-Autogo while on display of the Detroit Historical Museum. (Picture from: ChatChitto)

Only one Bi-Autogo was ever built, and today, it holds a special place in automotive history. The prototype is currently on display at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, loaned from the Detroit Historical Museum’s permanent collection. Despite its historical significance, the Bi-Autogo’s unconventional design and limited performance led Time magazine to rank it among the 50 Worst Cars of All Time in 2007. Nonetheless, it remains a fascinating relic from the past, offering a glimpse into the early days of engineering experimentation. 

The Bi-Autogo may not have been a commercial success, but it paved the way for future innovations in vehicle design. Its fusion of motorcycle and car elements, along with its pioneering use of a V8 engine, makes it an unforgettable piece of history.

If you enjoy discovering unique vehicles like the Bi-Autogo, there are plenty of other rare and fascinating machines that have left their mark on automotive history, like the extraordinary Shilovky Gyrocar, which is equally as intriguing. As we reflect on the Bi-Autogo, it serves as a reminder of how bold and imaginative ideas can shape the future, even if they don’t always achieve immediate success.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins .... *** [EKA [12062016]| FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TIME | AUTOBLOG ]

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