Jacques Gerin, a pilot in the French military during World War I, later turned his talents to designing two groundbreaking cars. The first was powered by a propeller, while the second, named the "Aerodyne," featured a mid-engine and numerous unique features. This design stands as a masterpiece of innovation and advanced engineering as it boasts an aerodynamic, aluminum exoskeletal Space Frame, mid-engine, and 4-wheel independent suspension.
The body, crafted from pieces of wood laminated between cast aluminum, forms a space frame that eliminates the need for a traditional chassis. Despite never reaching completion in its original form, our skilled restoration team are currently finishing the body in our shop while adhering to Jacques Gerin's original drawings and patent. You can follow the restoration progress in detail through our blog.
To construct the body, sheets of aluminum are meticulously shaped to follow the contour of the frame. This visionary car was patented in the early 1920s, and Ratier (now Ratier Figeac) undertook the manufacturing of the prototype in a suburb of Paris in 1925 - 1926.
The Aerodyne is a mid-engine automobile and features a 2-liter overhead valve engine positioned in front of the rear axle. The engine, a marvel of modern engineering for its time, incorporates tronconic valve springs to suppress vibrations while the greased rockers pivot on ball bearings. Notably, there is no oil in the top of the engine, which showcases Gerin's commitment to innovative design.
The transmission system is equally unique by utilizing chevron gears for precise timing. The dual ignition system, comprising one magneto and one coil/distributor, ensures optimal performance. The four-wheel independent suspension is controlled by horizontal hydraulic shock absorbers that operate through articulating arms and provide a smooth and responsive ride.
Hydraulic brakes with four shoes that apply pressure directly to the inside of the front wheel, ensure effective stopping power. Steering is achieved through rack and pinion, with an adjustable steering wheel height for personalized comfort. The transmission system, with rear drive shafts and inboard brakes, uses a small-diameter gear to directly drive the main gear in the wheel. The rear suspension geometry allows for the oscillation of the wheel around the differential output shaft gear, which completes the comprehensive innovation embodied in the Gerin Aerodyne.
We are pleased to display this vehicle and its restoration progress from time-to-time. Our goal is to have it finished by August 2025 to celebrate its 100th birthday.
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