Gnome et Rhone (France) - AllCarIndex

Gnome et Rhone was a French automobile manufacturer that emerged in the aftermath of World War I. Founded in 1919 in Paris, the company initially gained recognition as a producer of aero engines. Alongside notable contemporaries such as Hispano-Suiza and Farman, Gnome et Rhone showcased its automotive capabilities at the 1919 Paris Salon.

At the Salon, Gnome et Rhone presented a large and sophisticated six-cylinder automobile, notable for its substantial engine capacity of 8,725 cc. This vehicle featured a seven-bearing single overhead camshaft engine, a three-speed gearbox, and a wheelbase measuring 145 inches (3,680 mm). The braking system was designed for the rear wheels only, reflecting the engineering standards of the time.

The company displayed two distinct models at the exhibition: a chassis and a six-light saloon, which was characterized by its angular design and was constructed in-house. These models, along with one additional car, constituted the entirety of Gnome et Rhone's automobile production, marking a brief foray into the automotive industry before the company ultimately returned to its core focus on aviation and engine manufacturing.