c1902 Automoto Tricycle

Automoto 1902ca Tricycle 398ca cc AIV single engine # SF656

Automoto was one of the pioneer French makes: at the end of the 19th century a group of bicycle parts manufacturers in St. Etienne merged into one company that got the name Automoto. Soon production of complete cycles, motorised tricycles and automobiles was taken up, next to various other products such as washing machines, hunting weapons and sundry agricultural machinery. During the 1914-1918 war the company focussed on munitions manufacturing and by the end of 1922 motorcycle production was taken up again with a light two stroke model for which the Evans Powercycle had been the inspiration. Around 1930 the company got into financial difficulties and was taken over by Peugeot.

Tricycles were manufactured between 1898 and ca. 1904 in various engine capacities, both water and air cooled. Many models were fitted with De Dion Bouton engines, others used Automoto power sources. These closely resembled the De Dion Bouton models and the design evolved: earlier models had cylinder heads that were fixed with two long through bolts. Later on this system was exchanged for four shorts bolts that held the cylinder barrel in place and four short bolts that attached the cylinder head to the barrel. Most models were equipped with a surface carburettor, a Longuemare spray carburettor was available at extra cost.

The machine we present is remarkably well-preserved. She was once displayed in the at the time well-known Musée D’Automobiles du Forez in Sury-Le-Comtal. This museum was owned by Jacques Lefranc for almost 60 years, closing in 1981. The Automoto was then kept in several private collections and was part of the well-known Retromobile sale in 2018. She comes with Longuemare carburettor, De Dion Bouton saddle, Michelin tyres and a nice period acetylene lamp. As she has been a museum piece for a long time, recommissioning will be required.