Coadou-Fleury (France)

Coadou-Fleury was a French automobile manufacturer founded by Marcel Coadou in 1921 in Trédarzec, Côtes-d'Armor. Coadou, who served as a captain in the French Air Force reserve and directed a flying school, initially developed a small cyclecar featuring an aluminum monocoque frame, powered by an 850cc four-cylinder Ruby engine. This early model was equipped with a two-speed epicyclic gearbox and a shaft drive, achieving a top speed of approximately 43 mph (70 km/h).

In 1927, Coadou upgraded the vehicle by replacing the Ruby engine with a Citroën B2 engine, which he modified to include overhead valves, increasing the power output to 30 bhp from the previous 20 bhp. To accommodate the enhanced performance, he also added front-wheel brakes. The design of the car evolved over the years, with a more streamlined body and the introduction of ailerons behind each wheel, which were later replaced by cycle-type wings in 1929. This iteration of the vehicle was transformed into a coupé, followed by the development of a two-door saloon model.

Coadou sought to patent his innovative designs in Germany, Britain, and France, aiming to secure financial backing for mass production. The final version of his car, known as the Aerolithe, featured an aerodynamic coupé body with an aircraft-style sliding cockpit and wire wheels, marking a significant evolution from its earlier designs. The Aerolithe remains a notable example of Coadou's work and survives to this day. The company ceased operations around 1935, concluding its brief but innovative presence in the automotive industry.