FL (France) - AllCarIndex

The Otto company, established in Paris, began manufacturing automobiles in 1901. After a brief period of production that lasted until around 1904, the company experienced a hiatus before re-entering the market with the launch of the Culmen in 1907. This marked the beginning of a new phase for the company, which subsequently introduced the F.L. model in 1909.

The F.L. was a conventional automobile equipped with a 2009cc 12/16hp four-cylinder monobloc engine. This innovative design featured an integrated engine, flywheel assembly, and gearbox, all connected as a single unit. The F.L. was later joined by a six-cylinder variant that maintained the same cylinder dimensions, resulting in a total engine capacity of 3014cc.

The name "F.L." is believed to have been inspired by the Eiffel Tower, pronounced as "eff ell." An alternative theory suggests that the designation originated from the badges of cars sold in England by R.M. Wright of Lincoln, which bore the letters "FL," standing for "Floreat Lindum," a phrase meaning "long flourish Lincoln." However, this interpretation would have been less meaningful to a French audience, indicating that R.M. Wright may have adapted the letters for their own branding, which included imagery of Lincoln Cathedral. The Otto company ceased operations in 1914, marking the end of its brief but notable presence in the automotive industry.