Bignan (France) - AllCarIndex

Automobiles Bignan was a French automobile manufacturer founded in 1911 by Jacques Bignan in Courbevoie, Seine. Initially, the company produced 1.4-litre four-cylinder side-valve engines in partnership with Lucien Picker, who later established Picker-Janvier engines. The first vehicle to bear the Bignan name featured a 3,480 cc four-cylinder side-valve engine and was assembled in the Grégoire factory. This model was marketed in England as the Gregoire-Campbell by Malcolm Campbell. In 1921, modifications were made to the engine to comply with competition regulations, reducing the stroke from 92 mm to 85 mm, which allowed the car to compete in the 3-litre class.

Bignan's early models were primarily tourers, some of which served as official vehicles during the 1920 Tour de France cycle race. The company also participated in motorsport, entering three cars with 1.4-litre side-valve engines in the 1920 GP de Voiturettes at Le Mans. In 1922, Bignan opened a factory capable of producing complete cars and launched two new models: the 11CV single-overhead cam 2-litre and a 1,097 cc sports car, which was initially a rebadged Salmson. The Bignan range included various models utilizing different engines, including the 1,590 cc side-valve Ballot and the 1,690 cc single-overhead cam S.G.A.R. engine.

The 11CV model achieved notable success in racing, including a victory in the 1924 Monte Carlo Rally. However, the company faced financial difficulties and collapsed in 1926, leading to its acquisition by Société La Cigogne. Jacques Bignan was not involved in the new venture but continued to participate in motorsport, winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1928 with a Fiat 509. The 11CV model remained in production until 1930, alongside two additional models that utilized S.C.A.R. straight-eight engines.