1904 Givaudan 277cc Motorcycle

• Rare French Veteran
• Post-1970s ownership known
• Restored in the early 2000s
• Finisher in the 2019 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
• Ready to use

This high quality Veteran motorcycle was built by Claude Givaudan. Born in September 1872 in Lyon, Givaudan was a highly capable engineer who registered numerous patents relating to all sorts of inventions from aerospace to chemistry.

In 1903 Givaudan took over, as an engine manufacturer, the workshop where Claude Rochet and the Francisca brothers built their cars at the appropriately named Rue Sainte-Geneviève in Lyon. He produced and supplied engines to a variety of other manufacturers such as Terrot and L'Albatros, as well as complete motorcycles in his own name. At the Paris Show in 1903 Givaudan exhibited a range of engines from 2hp upwards, including v-twins, as well as complete motorcycles. Givaudan had a passion for flight and was Vice President of the Aero Club du Rhône from 1904, and in 1912 he founded the first military school for aircraft mechanics in Lyon. He was still patenting designs up until 1944 with his son Emile and died a year later.

This machine was found in the Pyrenees in the 1970s by a Belgian doctor. Purchased as part of a deal involving a convertible sports car, it then spent an extended period stored in a cellar awaiting restoration. In the early 1980s the machine changed hands, passing to Dirk Praet in exchange for a Norton 16H combination, and was cosmetically restored by Bernard Godfirnon on his behalf. The Givaudan was then displayed in pride of place on the wall in Praet's flat.

In the early 1990s Dirk Praet used the machine for a few rallies including the Leek-Assen-Leek and 13th Ibbenburen. In 1999 another exchange was made, this time for a Sunbeam S7, and the Givaudan passed to the then future VMCC President Bill Phelps in Wales, who had long coveted it. A fresh rebuild was undertaken, after which the machine was road registered in the UK and added to their Pioneer Register by the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club, confirming a manufacturing date of 1904.

Powered by a 277cc engine with 'atmospheric' inlet valve, this direct-drive machine has a good turn of speed thanks to the Longuemare carburettor and coil ignition. While with Bill Phelps the Givaudan was a finisher in three successive Banbury Runs starting in 2004, and gained a Silver Award in 2005. Acquired by the vendor four years ago, it was also a finisher in the 2019 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in only the second year that motorcycles were invited to take part. This machine is ready to use and is supplied with a selection of drive belts.