BNC (France) - AllCarIndex

B.N.C. (Bollack, Netter et Gie) was a French automobile manufacturer that operated from 1923 until 1931, primarily known for producing small sports cars. The company was established in Ixelles-Perret, Seine, after Jacques Muller sold his original design, which had been marketed under his name from 1920 to 1922. The new owners, the Bollack brothers and Netter, focused on the production of four-cylinder vehicles, utilizing an 892cc side-valve engine from S.C.A.P. and later incorporating overhead valve Ruby engines of 750cc and 970cc.

Throughout its operation, B.N.C. produced a variety of models, including touring cars, sports cars, and delivery vans. The vehicles gained popularity both in domestic and export markets, with significant sales in Belgium and Spain, as well as some in England. By 1925, the company expanded its offerings to include closed body designs, such as the two-seater coupe known as the Supercab. The introduction of the 970cc Ruby engine marked the beginning of B.N.C.'s sports car lineup, which evolved to include more powerful models featuring engines up to 1100cc.

In 1925, B.N.C. became notable for producing the first catalogued supercharged French car, offering a vertically mounted Cozette supercharger. The supercharged model was named Montlhéry, while the non-supercharged version was called Monza, and a longer chassis variant was designated Miramas, all named after successful racing venues. The company continued to innovate, introducing a sloping radiator design and an underslung frame in 1927, which enhanced the car's aesthetic appeal.

The leadership of B.N.C. changed in 1928 when Lucien Bollack departed to pursue other ventures, and Charles de Ricou took over. Under de Ricou's direction, B.N.C. attempted to expand its product line by acquiring parts from other manufacturers and exploring new engine options, including a six-cylinder Citroën engine. However, the ambitious plans coincided with the onset of the Great Depression, leading to financial difficulties. By 1931, B.N.C. ceased operations, and the company, along with its associated ventures, collapsed. Despite this, some of the remaining stock was acquired by racing driver André Sirejols, who continued to assemble a limited number of small sports cars until 1939.