Cyclauto (France) - AllCarIndex

Cyclauto was a French automobile manufacturer that operated from 1919 to 1923. The company, officially known as Ste Francaise du Cyclauto, was based in Surcsnes, Seine. It specialized in producing three-wheeled vehicles, which were designed to offer an alternative to traditional automobiles.

The initial model featured a 496cc two-cylinder two-stroke engine, equipped with a two-speed gearbox and belt drive to the rear axle. This model was available in two configurations: a single-seater with a 72-inch (1850mm) wheelbase and a two-seater with a 77-inch (1950mm) wheelbase. In 1922, the company upgraded its offerings by replacing the two-cylinder engine with a 950cc single overhead cam four-cylinder C.I.M.E engine. This new iteration also saw an increase in wheelbase to 92.5 inches (2350mm) and included a conventional three-speed gearbox and shaft drive. The engine was water-cooled, and the front wheel was positioned ahead of the radiator.

Despite its innovative design, Cyclauto struggled to compete with established light car manufacturers, such as Citroën, particularly the Citroën 5CV. The company's unique three-wheeled layout positioned it more as a light car than a cyclecar, but it ultimately could not secure a lasting presence in the automotive market.