Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 107
1924 Georges Richard Unic 10hp Type L2 Boulangère Coachwork by Carrosserie Girardo Frères Chassis no. 394652682
Sold for US$10,640 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 107
1924 Georges Richard Unic 10hp Type L2 Boulangère
1924 Georges Richard Unic 10hp Type L2 Boulangère
Coachwork by Carrosserie Girardo Frères
Chassis no. 394652682
Coachwork by Carrosserie Girardo Frères
Chassis no. 394652682
1,900cc Side-Valve Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
12hp (rated)
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Semi-Elliptic Lead Srings with Solid Front and Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Retains its original coachwork
*An exceedingly rare survivor
*Robust and attractive commercial machine
*The perfect delivery vehicle for town or country
THE GEORGES RICHARD UNIC
When founding his new company in 1904, Georges Richard had intended that it should follow a one-model policy, and thus adopted the name 'Unic'. The policy did not last long, Richard's first twin-cylinder model being joined within twelve months by two four-cylinder types: a 2.0-liter 12hp and 2.6-liter 14hp. Mainstay of production throughout the 1920s was the Type L. Rated at 10CV, it was powered by a 1.8-liter side valve engine built in unit with the gearbox, an advanced feature at the time.
The company briefly returned to its one-model policy in the mid-1920s, building variations of the 11CV only for a while, before launching a straight eight in 1928.
In 1922 the firm introduced the three-ton MSC truck, and began to focus on producing larger commercial vehicles. In the same year, the firm's founder, Georges Richard, died following a motor accident en route to Rouen. His business partner Georges Dubois took on responsibility for Unic thereafter.
Unic's products were renowned for their quality of construction and robustness.
As the great W.O. Bentley, once an employee of the National Motor Cab Co, operators of Unic taxicabs, observed in his autobiography, 'Nothing the English built at the time could stand up to the treatment nor show such economic running figures as the Unic'.
Unic was a major name in taxicabs. By 1920 a fleet of about 5000 Unic taxis was in use in London, with some of them still plying for business in the 1960s.
Although the Unic name is today consigned to automotive history books, the firm's proud lineage can be traced directly to modern transport vehicle giant, Iveco.
THE CAR OFFERED
This lovely, coachbuilt machine is understood to have been delivered new to Paris for use as an intra-city delivery vehicle for a Parisian bakery. Surviving with its original coachwork—including wood framing and body—even the hand painted period plates have survived hiding behind a set of modern number plates.
Largely original save for a repaint, new top and canvas, and retrim, the robust little delivery is reported to be mechanically well in tune. The seller has described it as being a nice, torquey machine that has provided happy miles both in town and in the countryside. The survival rate of commercial machines such as this is astonishingly low, making it a rare opportunity to acquire the perfect machine with which to drive to the farmer's market—or make deliveries for your bakery. Either way, you'll be doing it in true French style!
Additional information
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