When 3 wheels were thought to be better than 4: the '37 Airomobile Experimental and '48 Davis Divan

The Airomobile—originally spelled Airmobile—was the brainchild of dreamer Paul M. Lewis, who first publicized his idea in 1934 and formed a company, Lewis American Airways, to produce it. To develop the radical car he commissioned two engineers from the defunct Franklin Automobile Co, Carl Doman and Edward Marks, and the noted Briggs stylist John Tjaarda was brought in to contribute to the body design. Together they produced one of the most original and creative prototype cars of the era.

Flush with money from achieving success in the used car business, Gary Davis was in good company in the optimistic days immediately after World War II. As eager Americans, who were weary of wartime limitations on gas, tires, and even cars themselves, headed to car dealers to spend the money they had earned during the war. Derived from a prewar design built by legendary race car builder Frank Kurtis for millionaire playboy Joel Thorne, the three-wheeled Davis Divan was touted as the car of the future. It was powered by a Hercules industrial engine with a Ford transmission.

The press was eager and hopeful, but problems including material shortages and a severe lack of capital prevented Gary Davis from realizing his dream of mass producing his car. By May of 1948, he was under investigation for fraud by the Los Angeles district attorney, and in November his offices were raided and company business and financial records were seized.

The exact number of Davis vehicles produced is unknown. To date, 13 passenger versions and three additional “jeep”-style utility prototypes, have been accounted for. Bearing serial number 482E49, the Petersen Automotive Museum’s 1948 Davis is the fourth passenger car built and one of very few with a continuous ownership history.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Goodbye Airomobile!
01:45 - Why 3 wheels
02:29 - The Airomobile looks like a lobsters
03:30 - Unique doors
04:40 - Inside the Airomobile
05:30 - The engine
06:00 - A post war car, the Davis Divan
06:40 - Made in Van Nuys
07:23 - One wheel in front
07:50 - Inside the Davis Divan
08:42 - The heavy top is removable!
09:54 - Only 13 Davis Divan were built



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