FN (Belgium) - AllCarIndex

Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre, commonly known as F.N., was a Belgian automobile manufacturer that operated from 1899 to 1935. The company originated in 1886 when several arms manufacturers united to form a consortium, which later became the Société de Fabricants d’Armes de Guerre. F.N. gained prominence after receiving a substantial order from the Belgian government for Mauser rifles, which allowed it to expand its operations. In 1896, the arms division was largely acquired by the German Loewe group, prompting F.N. to diversify into bicycles and subsequently motor vehicles.

The first automobile produced by F.N. was introduced at the Brussels Show in March 1899. Designed by Italian engineer J. de Cosmo, the prototype featured a front-mounted 3.5 hp two-cylinder engine and a two-speed belt transmission. Production commenced in 1900, with 100 units manufactured in the first year. By 1901, the company had upgraded to a 4.5 hp engine and produced 280 cars, offering a variety of body styles reminiscent of horse-drawn carriages. Notably, F.N. also constructed a petrol-electric tonneau for Count Pierre de Caters in 1901, which showcased innovative engineering for its time.

F.N. shifted its focus to motorcycles in December 1901, achieving significant success that led to a temporary halt in car production from 1902 to 1906. During this period, the company served as the Belgian representative for De Dion-Bouton, importing chassis and fitting them with F.N. bodies. In 1906, F.N. resumed car manufacturing with the Rochet-Schneider model, a large vehicle based on Mercedes designs. This model was produced until 1913, with notable customers including European royalty.

Throughout the years leading up to World War I, F.N. expanded its lineup with various models, including the Type 2000 and Type 1400, which catered to a broader market. By 1914, the company had produced over 3,600 cars, many of which were exported internationally. The war saw F.N.'s factories repurposed for military vehicle repairs, and post-war production resumed in 1920 with updated versions of previous models.

In the 1920s, F.N. focused on light to medium-sized four-cylinder cars, achieving notable success with the Type 1300, which was produced in large numbers. The company ranked second among Belgian manufacturers in 1925, just behind Minerva. However, by the late 1920s, F.N. faced increasing competition from American manufacturers, leading to a decline in its market position. The introduction of the Type Toke in 1929 marked a shift towards more modern features, but production ceased in 1935 due to economic pressures.

The final notable model from F.N. was the 832, which featured a 3,257 cc straight-eight engine. Despite its advanced design and American-inspired styling, the model did not achieve commercial success, with only 571 units sold between 1930 and 1935. After ceasing passenger car production, F.N. continued to manufacture motorcycles and commercial vehicles until 1962, while also diversifying into aerospace and defense industries.