Brasier / Georges Richard / Richard-Brasier / Chaigneau-Brasier (France) - AllCarIndex

The Brasier automobile brand originated in France, founded by Georges Richard and his brother Max in 1893. Initially, the Richard company, established in Paris around 1850, produced photographic and optical equipment, later expanding into bicycles. The first automobile was produced in 1897, featuring a Benz-like design with belt drive and three forward speeds. The company initially offered a range of vehicles, including a smaller model based on the Belgian Vivinus.

In 1901, Henri Brasier joined the company, leading to a shift in focus towards larger cars with Panhard-style designs. By 1904, the Brasier lineup included models with 2- or 4-cylinder engines, ranging from 10 to 40 horsepower. The company achieved notable success in motorsport, winning the Gordon Bennett race in 1904 and 1905 with specially built cars. However, after Georges Richard left the company in 1904 to establish his own brand, the vehicles were commonly referred to as Richard-Brasier until that point.

The Brasier brand transitioned to shaft-driven vehicles in 1906, maintaining a conservative design approach until 1912, when a modern light car with a monobloc engine was introduced. The company faced financial difficulties due to a focus on high-end models, but a renewed emphasis on smaller cars led to a recovery in production numbers. By 1911, the company produced 969 cars, significantly increasing output compared to earlier years.

The 1920s marked a period of decline for Brasier, beginning with the introduction of a side-valve four-cylinder model. In 1926, the company was acquired by the Chaigneau family, who renamed it Chaigneau-Brasier. They introduced the TD-4, a light car that failed to attract significant sales. In 1928, the company attempted to move upmarket with a front-wheel-drive coupe powered by a straight-eight engine, but the economic climate hindered its success. By 1930, the company underwent reorganization and ultimately sold its factories to Delahaye, marking the end of the Brasier brand.