Cyclauto

Cyclauto was a French vehicle manufacturer based in Suresnes, Seine, operating under the name Société Française du Cyclauto.

The company produced a three-wheeler featuring a single front wheel. Early versions were fitted with a 496cc two-cylinder two-stroke engine, paired with a two-speed epicyclic transmission and belt drive to the rear axle. This model was offered as a single-seater on a 72-inch (1850mm) wheelbase, or as a two-seater on a longer 77-inch (1950mm) wheelbase.

For 1922, the vehicle was substantially revised. The two-cylinder engine was replaced by a 950cc single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine sourced from C.I.M.E., which was water-cooled, with the front wheel positioned ahead of the radiator. This version also received a lengthened wheelbase of 92.5 inches (2350mm), a conventional three-speed gearbox, and shaft drive in place of the earlier belt drive.

Despite its unconventional three-wheeled layout, the Cyclauto was closer in character to a light car than a true cyclecar. However, it struggled to compete against genuine light cars of the period, such as the Citroën 5CV.