Bedelia (France) - AllCarIndex

Bedelia was a French automobile brand that operated from 1910 to 1925, primarily known for its cyclecars. The brand originated in Paris, founded by engineering student Robert Bourbeau and his partner Henri Devaux. Bourbeau's initial design, created in 1908, featured a lightweight four-wheeled vehicle with an ash frame and tandem seating. It was powered by a motorcycle engine and utilized a unique two-speed belt drive system, with steering managed through a cable and bobbin mechanism.

The Bedelia cyclecar gained popularity during the early 1910s, coinciding with the rise of similar vehicles before World War I. The production began in 1910, and the company offered various engine options, including single-cylinder engines ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 horsepower, as well as a 10 horsepower V-twin. The design remained largely unchanged until 1914, with minor updates such as the addition of a hood and optional running boards. Notably, Bourbeau achieved success in 1913 by winning the Cyclecar Grand Prix at Amiens.

In 1920, Bourbeau and Devaux sold the Bedelia brand to M. Binet, a former distributor. Under Binet's ownership, the production shifted to Mahieux et Cie in Levallois-Perret, where the vehicles became more conventional, featuring side-by-side seating and a three-speed gearbox. The new models included a 990cc V-twin engine, marking a departure from the original cyclecar design.