Direct (Belgium) - AllCarIndex

The Direct was an automobile brand that operated briefly between 1904 and 1905, based in Brussels, Belgium. The company, officially known as Ste de Constructions Mecaniques et d'Automobiles, specialized in the production of large cars during its short existence.

The Direct vehicles were notable for their innovative engineering, featuring a 40/50 horsepower four-cylinder engine. This engine was designed to be exceptionally flexible, eliminating the need for a traditional gearbox. Instead, power was transmitted directly from the engine to a countershaft, which drove the rear wheels via chains, a design that inspired the brand's name. The vehicle's gear ratio could be adjusted by varying the pressure on the clutch, allowing for a unique driving experience.

Production of Direct cars occurred in limited numbers at a factory that had previously manufactured vehicles under the BAIJDOUIN and DECHAMPS brands. The design of the Direct was led by Robert Goldschmidt, who had prior experience at MIESSE, where the prototype of the Direct was developed. Despite its brief production run, the Direct represented an interesting chapter in the early automotive industry in Belgium.