C.1898/1899 La Francais Tricycle
Built in the Parisian suburbs in the late 1890s, this La Francais Tricycle is 1 of only 3 known to exist worldwide.
£33,500 GBP
The Paris based manufacturer was founded by two associates in 1890, one of whom sold his shares in 1895 to investor John-Varnum Hammond. In 1896, the firm opened a new factory and became well known as makers of high quality bicycles, sold under the Diamant name. They were quick to realise the demand for motorised transport and began to sell kits for motor tricycles very quickly, this led to claims from the brand that they were to be one of the earliest tricycle manufacturers.
Essentially La Francais sold collection of parts to make Tricycles, consisting of in house components, surface carburettor and typically a De Dion Bouton Engine. This is where this particular example differs, the other 2 survivors of the marque feature the De Dion Bouton engine unit, whilst this example contains an engine baring the markings ‘France’ leading researchers and historians alike to believe that this early example was infact one of the earliest, in-house built tricycles.
Of the other surviving examples, one is displayed in the Musee des Arts et Metiers in Paris and the other was sold in 2023 for £69,000.
This example is sold as a project and will require some recommissioning and parts to complete, however it offers someone a very rewarding restoration that will provide ownership of an important piece of Veteran motorcycling history.
