Barre (France) - AllCarIndex

Barre was a French automobile manufacturer founded in 1899 by Gaston Barre in Niort, Deux-Sèvres. The company operated under various names throughout its existence, including G. Barre et Cie from 1908 to 1923, Barré et Lamberthon from 1923 to 1927, and finally SA des Automobiles Barré from 1927 until its cessation in 1930. Despite its regional focus, Barre produced reliable vehicles for over three decades.

The company debuted at the 1899 Paris Salon with a light car featuring a 4hp Gaillardet engine, a two-speed transmission, and a unique seating arrangement for three, including a seat for a child or light person. Throughout its early years, Barre primarily utilized proprietary engines, including single-cylinder De Dion-Bouton, two-cylinder Aster, and four-cylinder Buchet engines. By 1903, the company had introduced tubular chassis for smaller models and armored wood frames for larger ones, maintaining in-house production for most components, including bodies.

In 1908, Barre formalized its operations, employing around 50 workers and offering a range of models powered by De Dion-Bouton and Ballot engines. By 1912, the lineup included seven models, all equipped with four-cylinder monobloc engines and shaft drive. The company continued to manufacture bodies in-house throughout its history. In the 1920s, Barre's offerings were streamlined, focusing on four-cylinder models with engine displacements ranging from 1131cc to 2813cc. Notably, front-wheel brakes were introduced on the 1692cc torpedo sport model in 1924.

Production began to decline in the late 1920s, and it is believed that no Barre vehicles were produced after 1930, although the brand remained listed until 1932. At the time of its closure, the lineup consisted of three four-cylinder models: the 8/10hp B5, 10/18hp B5, and 12/24hp AS2.