The first DEVRIM car, produced in 1961, was colored white, while another car was made as a black executive car.

The Devrim car, the first domestic car produced by Turkish engineers and workers, was even the subject of movies.

In the years of military coup 1960, Turkey was unable to produce its own cars. Cemal Gürsel Pasha, President believed that Turkish people could produce their own cars so he ordered 2 cars to the railway locomotive engineers.

The big challange for railway engineers was not to make the first cars of Turkey, but to produce 2 cars in only 130 days!

June 16, 1961 the day of the first steps for Turkey's first domestic car was made in Ankara (Capital City of Turkey). DEVRIM, Turkey's first indigenous car engineers was recalled from Eskişehir- a small city in middle Anatolia .

The meeting held in Ankara was chaired by Deputy General Manager Emin Bozoğlu. Speaking to 20 engineers at the meeting, Bozoğlu announced that funds were allocated for a car that would be made entirely of domestic products to catch up on October 29, 1961 the celebrations for the Republic Day of Turkey.

The car had to be ready with a work takes about 4.5 months in domestic railway factory in Eskisehir. The engineers rejected this demand, saying it was impossible to make. Yet the order was made from the top.

After the first doubt, the engineers locked to the target and worked for the impossible. The last layer of the No. 2 DEVRIM in black color was only struck on the evening of October 28. While the cake and polish were shipped to Ankara, it was made on the train that night.

Gasoline tanks were emptied as a safety precaution due to the sparks that might leap from the chimney on the train, which was pulled by steam locomotives.

Only a few liters of gasoline were put in their tanks to maneuver cars going to Ankara. The main refueling would be done in the morning at the Mobile Gas Station in Sıhhiye and then to the Assembly.

On the morning of October 29, DEVRIM s set out among the escort, which consisted of a very crowded traffic crew on motorcycles. It turned out, but the escort went on their way to Mobil without stopping to know about fulfilling the gasoline. When it came to the Assembly, the situation was understood, the rushed gasoline was put in the 1st car. When he was to be number 2, Cemal Pasha came in front of the Assembly and got on the 2nd DEVRIM Car to go to Anıtkabir. The road started.

But 100 m. Until then the engine stopped coughing. "What is going on? Rıfat SERDAROĞLU, the Senior Engineer at the wheel, said, “Sir, petrol is over. “He answered. Apologizing from Pasha, he was asked to pass to DEVRIM1. Cemal Pasha, who fits this, went to Anitkabir with this car. As he got off, he said the famous words "You made a car with a western head, but you forgot the refueling with an east head."

It was a big hope and a big disappointment in the middle of a big event so this sad moment was the end of a big project.

The mass production ended, unfortunately without ever starting.

The engineers made that asked miracle came true, as they are always remembered as heros.

Considering the change it could make in a nations economical destiny, the forgotten gasoline was always a mistery for the public, so many conspiracy theories created for.

Domestic products were used in all materials, from the engine used in the car to the steering wheel and seat covers where approximately 48 engineers and nearly 200 workers took part in the construction process of the DEVRIM.

Necessary works were also carried out for the transition to domestic production of domestic cars in that period. After it started mass production, its price was determined as 30thousand liras.

In 1960 ; bread cost 70 kr, 1USD 4.73 TL All employees of the projectworked not only during working

hours, but 7/24 in 12-hour shifts,including weekdays evenings

and weekends.

It was suggested to put an anjustable steering wheel – and got refused. After 1year Rolls Royce announced this as an innovation.

Devrim is not a copy and %80 domectic

1.1 coupe and 4 doors models: L: 4064 x w: 1600 x H: 1422 Speed 90 km/h 38 HP Weight :920 kg Stroke: 75.0mm Engine 1221 4 rears

This inspired many stories; books, documentaries and films made for DEVRIM.

A must see Movie

You can watch from this linkwith English subtitle (turn subtitle on from cc at the bottom of scene)

https://archive.org/details/Cars.of.Revolution

DVD’s for DEVRIM.

Books for DEVRIM.

Can be visited in Tülomsaş museum at Eskişehir City; the factory/ museum of Turkish Locomotive and Engine Company Inc..

https://www.tulomsas.com.tr/tulomsas-kurumsal/2111/

Today Turkey is trying to gain the automobile market today, with TOGG: mass production of a domestic electric car.

Devrim was presented the launch of TOGG.

Alongside of her professional life ;She is a member of FIVA Youth , Trade & Skills Commission ;

General Secretary of theClassic Car Club of Turkey (2017- ),

Columnist in Tr Classic Car Magazine, klasikkadin.com founder,

Graduated from University of Istanbul,Radio –Television Broadcasting Division.

Responsible for Corporate Communications at Tekfen Agri.

Mrs Balıbey is an Istanbul admirer ,married , has one boy

Yelizinanc@yahoo.com