On the market: one of the very first tricycles, an original La Française

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You can't beat a De Dion-Bouton tricycle. We like Veteran and Vintage cars because they offer an involving, visceral and life-affirming driving experience; a tricycle simply multiplies those qualities by a hundred. Their historic importance cannot be overstated. It was De Dion tricycles which were responsible for the birth of British motor-racing when, in 1897, Charles Jarrott and S. F. Edge had a friendly duel on a circuit in the grounds of Sheen House in Richmond, Surrey. Plus, of course, they're light, extremely simple and easy to garage, which is not something that can be said for all Veterans.

La Française: a Parisian pioneer

We have spoken thus far about De Dion tricycles, but we generalise. De Dion may have created the first successful production tricycle, but countless other French cycle-makers and engineering outfits wanted to capitalise on demand for this new, exciting mode of transport. Of course, the majority of these were simply copies of the De Dion design, and were built using De Dion engines and other parts besides. La Française was no exception.

The firm had been founded in Paris in 1890 by two associates, one of whom sold his shares in 1895 to investor John-Varnum Hammond. In 1896, it opened a new factory and became well-known as a maker of high-quality bicycles, sold under the Diamant brand, and cycle components. It was quick to realise the potential for motorised transport and started offering kits for motor-tricycles almost immediately, and later also for quadricycles. Essentially, this consisted of a collection of La Française tricycle parts with a De Dion engine, surface carburettor and ignition system.

One of the earliest survivors

While thousands of De Dion tricycles were sold, we have no way of knowing how many La Française was responsible for but, naturally, this is an extremely rare, possibly unique survivor. There are various details which point to it being one of the earliest tricycles constructed, hence the 1897 dating. Engine no. 184 is third lowest number known to survive; the other two are in Paris's Musée des Arts et Métiers and a private collection.

While we don't know the specific history of this tricycle, you can see from the photographs that it is both highly original and extremely well-preserved. It's preservation must be continued, but it should also be used. If in Europe, take it to Vintage Montlhéry. If in Britain, have a go at the Pioneer Run and Veteran Car Run, and be sure to support the tricycle-racing activities of the De Dion Bouton Club's Team Jarrott.

The tricycle is for sale with Yesterdays Motorcycles in the Netherlands and costs €77,500 (approx. £69,000). Everyone needs a tricycle at least once in their lives...

Words: Zack Stiling
 

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