Farman [2] (France) - AllCarIndex

Automobiles Farman was a French automobile manufacturer active from 1919 to 1931, founded by the Earman brothers—Dick, Henry, and Maurice—who were of English descent. The brothers initially gained recognition as successful racing cyclists in the 1890s before transitioning to motor racing at the turn of the 20th century. They participated in notable races such as Paris-Vienna and Paris-Madrid, and also served as agents for various automobile brands. Although it has been suggested that they produced a Farman car as early as 1902, concrete evidence of such manufacturing is scarce.

Following World War I, the Earman brothers shifted their focus to automobile production, collaborating with other aviation figures, including those from Voisin and Hispano-Suiza. They unveiled their first luxury car, the Farman A6, at the 1919 Paris Salon. Designed by Charles Waseige, the A6 featured a 6-cylinder engine and a unique suspension system. Production began in 1921, with the car available in two models: a standard version and a sport variant, which boasted distinctive body styles.

Despite their sporty design, Farman cars did not achieve significant success in motorsport, with only a single entry in the 1922 Circuit des Routes Pavées. The company introduced various engineering innovations over the years, including the use of Alpax alloy for the cylinder block and a complex suspension system. However, the brand struggled to compete in the luxury car market, facing challenges in sales and brand recognition.

By 1930, Farman's presence in the automotive industry diminished, with production ceasing in 1931 after selling approximately 120 cars over a decade. Plans for a revival in 1938, which included a new V8 engine and a design by artist Georges Ham, never materialized. Today, only four Farman vehicles are known to survive, marking the end of a brief but notable chapter in French automotive history.