1929 Automoto 350cc AL9 Grand Tourist Luxe

Registration no. BS 9299 Frame no. 20246 (see text) Engine no. 20246

According to Tragatsch, the French Automoto of pre-1939 days was "a typical 'farmers machine' of great durability". Founded in 1902 in Saint-Étienne, the firm specialised in the manufacture of robust, high quality motorcycles using proprietary engines as well as those of its own manufacture. During the 1930s, the Automoto range included two-stroke-powered models ranging from 100cc to 250cc in capacity, and four-strokes from 175cc to 500cc. Offerings in the latter category included models powered by sidevalve, overhead-valve, and overhead-camshaft engines, the 'cammy' model having a unitary construction Chaise engine.

This Automoto had already been restored when it was purchased by the current vendor in 2004. The handlebar and control levers were then nickel-plated and the engine bottom end rebuilt by Alpha Bearings. The only other work required has been to replace the cylinder head gasket with a solid copper one. Since acquisition, the machine has been ridden regularly, proving surprisingly nippy for a sidevalve. Last run in 2018, it is described by the vendor as in excellent condition (although the electrical generator needs attention). The only notified deviation from factory specification concerns the Pilgrim oil pump, which has been modified to provide manual adjustment independent of engine speed and is now reliable. The machine is offered with a good history file containing marque-related literature, V5C documents, etc. It should be noted that the frame number is incorrectly recorded in the V5C.