Tamura and Watanabe
"A light motor-vehicle with a relatively large seating space has a centrally arranged vertical engine placed under the driver's seat and connected by gearing to the rear wheels. The seat has a hinge and can be tilted backwards to facilitate access to the engine. A tool-box, (not shown), is arranged at one side of the seat and the central steering pillar in front of the seat. An air channel is arranged around the engine to facilitate the circulation of air by means of a fan. The fuel tank is placed at the front of the vehicle."
Applied for initial patent in 1917; final patent issued in 1920.
