History
Zundapp Janus
Designed by Dornier aircraft engineer Claude Dornier, the Janus featured one of the most unconventional layouts ever produced. Front and rear passengers sat back-to-back, entering through separate doors at each end of the vehicle. The 248cc single-cylinder engine mounted centrally drove the rear wheels, producing 14 hp. This arrangement provided four-seat accommodation in a package just 2.8 meters long. Despite its innovative design solving microcar packaging challenges, the Janus proved too unconventional for buyers. Only about 6,900 were produced during 1957-1958 before Zündapp exited automobile manufacturing, making it a fascinating curiosity in automotive history.