The Plein Air had a relatively small engine. An 845 cc naturally aspirated 4-cylinder developing 30 horsepower and 43 ft-lb of torque. Fortunately, the vehicle weighted only just over 1300 pounds. The manual four-speed gearbox, takes a bit to get used to. The shifter is, located in the dash to the right of the steering wheel, to engage the transmission into first gear, you have to pull away from the dashboard, then push towards the dash and slightly over to the right for second gear, pull away for third, and toward and slightly over to the right until reaching fourth. The steering wheel, has a relatively large circumference but is fairly thin in diameter. Facing the driver, is a large beige plastic dashboard with only a speedometer, a fuel gauge and four indicator lights so it is quite Spartan. The only other integrated component of dash is the ashtray. For some reason they did choose to include a heater, as well as a defrosting system which consists of two plastic rectangular tubes to be rotated manually in the direction of the windshield. After pulling the choke, the engine starts with relative ease and quickly stabilizes to its set idle speed. The exhaust pipe is plumed to the left side of the vehicle, but it does seem to prevent all occupants from breathing in noxious fumes. As no forms of pollution controls had been developed yet. Sinpar Plein Air Original Publicity photo Plein Air Engine Compartment
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