1906 Motosacoche 1¼hp Type A

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1906 Motosacoche 1¼hp Type A
Registration no. SV 6476
Engine no. 2658

Founded in Acacias, Geneva in 1901, Motosacoche derived its name from Henri and Armand Dufaux's ingenious self-contained cycle-motor power unit, aptly translating to 'une moto sa coche,' or 'an engine in a bag.' The heart of this innovative marvel was a 211cc motor, which quickly found itself in robust production, prompting the Dufaux brothers to establish a subsidiary company to promote it in the UK.

The initial models boasted an atmospheric inlet valve and a battery/coil ignition system, referred to as 'Type A' In 1907, they introduced the 'Type M' model featuring Magneto ignition. In all iterations, direct belt drive remained the driving force, with early units supplied as mechanical kits ready to be affixed to a compatible bicycle frame, a process so straightforward that it was claimed to take a mere 20 minutes. Despite its modest engine, the lightweight design enabled these motorcycles to reach speeds of up to 30mph—a notable achievement, considering the rudimentary brake systems of the era.

This specific machine, bearing the engine number 2658, is one of the earliest recorded examples of the Type A. Registered in the UK by the previous owner, according to the Pioneer certificate (dating from the late 1990s) it is mounted to a 1906 Bayliss Thomas frame (later to become known as Excelsior). Around the handlebar stem is an engraved collar bearing the name of a previous owner in France – an Emile Duran who was a distiller in Muret. Inside the collar is a separate tag dated 1928 and marked 'Ministère des Finances'. It enjoyed regular use on runs but has not been actively used since the early 2000s. The lightweight design offers easy handling, the early origins and Sunbeam Club dating meaning it can have an early start in the Pioneer Run and other period events. Offered with a V5C and Pioneer Certificate.

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