Cottin-Desgouttes (France) - AllCarIndex

Cottin-Desgouttes was a French automobile manufacturer that operated from 1905 to 1931. The company was initially established as Ste des Automobiles Pierre Desgouttes et Compagnie in Lyon, where Pierre Desgouttes began his career in the motor industry. After a brief tenure at Berliet, where he contributed to the design of the 10hp model, Desgouttes founded his own company in 1904, focusing on the production of large chain-driven cars powered by a 6,330 cc 24/40 hp four-cylinder engine. The company gained recognition at the 1905 Paris Salon, although production was limited.

In 1906, the company was renamed Automobiles Cottin et Desgouttes, following the involvement of Cyril Cottin, a significant shareholder from a wealthy textile family. Under this new name, the company expanded its model range, introducing several vehicles including the 24/40 hp, 18/22 hp, and 50/70 hp models. The firm achieved notable success in motorsport, particularly in sprints and hill climbs, which helped to increase its customer base. By 1910, Cottin-Desgouttes employed around 300 workers.

The company diversified its offerings by producing commercial vehicles, including charabancs for mountain excursions, starting in 1907. During World War I, Cottin-Desgouttes manufactured a significant number of trucks. Post-war, the company continued to produce passenger cars, introducing models such as the 14/16 hp and 18/20 hp, while also developing more modern designs like the M-type in 1922, which featured advanced engineering elements such as a five-bearing crankshaft and four-wheel brakes.

In the mid-1920s, production levels averaged around 35 vehicles per month, with a portion being commercial chassis. The company faced increasing competition from larger American manufacturers, which ultimately led to its decline. Despite attempts to merge with other French car makers, production ceased in the summer of 1931. However, a new company was established to manage the remaining stock, allowing for the sale of Cottin-Desgouttes vehicles into 1932. The factory later transitioned to other uses, including training for engineering apprentices and manufacturing Isobloc coaches. Cyril Cottin passed away in 1942, followed by Pierre Desgouttes in 1955.