The Italian 'scooter invasion' of the late 1940s to early 1950s was a challenge to every European vehicle manufacturer. Of all the French manufacturers' responses, the Terrot scooter was one of the most inspired. Previously, there's Bernardet another French company had already responded in 1950 to the Italian challenge; but their machines were large and not as chic as a Lambretta or Vespa.
1952 Terrot VMS1 98cc with frame number 068 is one of 100 machines that included in the early batch. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3geKTzh)
A number of other manufacturers also fielded scooters that were old-fashioned in their styling, painfully obvious seen when Lambretta bodywork was totally restyled in the early fifties. Even though the early Terrot scooters were only used a 98cc engine and so not very successful at a practical level. And the consumers in the time saw the Terrot was a design success, and supported by its most dynamic marketing campaign that the French had ever seen so far.
1952 Terrot VMS1 98cc with engine number 700168 could be said as the oldest Terrot scooter currently known. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3geKTzh)
The most interesting aspect of its advertising is that it was promoted as a 'two-wheeled car.' See how the ad below ("like a luxury car") pictures it large in the foreground with a car in the background to emphasis its apparent has a larger size. Nothing could be further from the truth – it's only a small scooter!
By using a 98cc two-stroke engine that is considered underpowered in the time, but doesn't diminish the beauty of 1952 Terrot VMS1 until now. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3geKTzh)
But we're known for sure its dynamic 'modern' styling had appealed to the youth of the day. And, like all scooters, with the enclosed bodywork hiding any hint whatsoever of its mechanical innards, advertising was pitched directly to the female motorists. Of course, cars also hide their oily bits, and We're sure this was the psychological connection intended by the advertising campaigns.
1953 Terrot VMS2 used a 125cc two-stroke engine and coupled with a 3-speed gearbox. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2AO6nCH)
The company's first scooter was displayed at the Paris Salon in late 1951 but did not go into full production until March 1952. And the first Terrot scooter model named VMS1 and only made in limited numbers, ie 100 units only.
1956 Terrot VMS3 (Scooterrot) used a 125cc two-stroke engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/36jVUdH)
Then in 1953-1954, the company made the VMS2 models with a 125cc engine and 3-speed gearbox. Compared to the VMS1 there are few external variations that were added.
Later, the VMS3 scooter models were introduced in May 1955, was renamed the 'Scooterrot.' And after all these years of success and then the company's scooter production should be ceased in 1957 due to unknown reasons. While the remaining VMS3 models were known to be exported to England by Phealon and Moore in 1958.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and
so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MILANUNCIOS]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
The most interesting aspect of its advertising is that it was promoted as a 'two-wheeled car.' See how the ad below ("like a luxury car") pictures it large in the foreground with a car in the background to emphasis its apparent has a larger size. Nothing could be further from the truth – it's only a small scooter!
