Gatso (Netherlands) - AllCarIndex

Gatso was a Dutch automobile manufacturer founded by Maurice Gatsonides in Heemstede, Netherlands, in 1948. The company operated until 1950 and was known for producing a limited number of innovative sports cars. Gatsonides, who was also an accomplished rally driver, had previously experimented with Ford components and a Mercury V8 engine before World War II.

The first car produced by Gatso was the Kwik, assembled in 1939, which achieved notable success in rally competitions. After the war, Gatsonides showcased his designs at the Geneva Motor Show in 1948, introducing vehicles that featured a duralumin-panelled body reminiscent of aircraft fuselage construction. One of the distinctive design elements included a "bubble" cockpit hood and a unique three-headlight configuration, with the central headlight positioned atop the radiator grille.

Gatso's lineup included several models such as the Sports Roadster, AeroCoupe, four-seater Touring, and Cabriolet. The cars were powered by a tuned Mercury engine capable of producing 120 horsepower, with plans for a more powerful overhead valve engine rated at 175 horsepower. These vehicles were equipped with advanced features for their time, including a three-speed gearbox, overdrive in the rear axle, and hydraulic brakes.

Despite the technical innovations, Gatso faced production challenges, leading to the cessation of car manufacturing in 1950. Approximately 11 Gatso cars were built, with some exported to markets in Switzerland and South Africa. In 1949, Gatsonides created a smaller experimental model known as the Gatso 1500, which utilized Fiat 1500 mechanicals and was nicknamed "Platje" due to its flat design. This prototype did not enter production but remains preserved in the Netherlands today.