Crespelle (France) - AllCarIndex

Automobiles F. Crespelle was a French automobile manufacturer based in Paris, active from 1906 until 1923. The company initially focused on producing small sporting cars, which gained recognition for their performance in hill climb events, notably at Gaillon. Crespelle utilized single-cylinder proprietary engines, including models from Aster and De Dion-Bouton, characterized by their long strokes.

As the company evolved, it began to manufacture more conventional vehicles equipped with four-cylinder engines while maintaining its involvement in motorsport. A notable achievement occurred in 1912 when a 14CV Type H secured third place in the San Sebastian Rally. By 1914, on the brink of World War I, Crespelle offered a range of five four-cylinder models, varying from a 1460cc 7CV to a 3617cc 18CV, all featuring a four-speed gearbox. The engines were likely sourced from other manufacturers, with the 7CV possibly being a Chapuis-Dornier and another model utilizing a long-stroke Janvier engine.

Following the war, Crespelle re-emerged in 1920, introducing models that employed Sergant engines in three displacements: 1590cc, 2116cc, and 2410cc. The smallest model featured a three-speed gearbox, while the larger variants were equipped with four-speed gearboxes. The vehicles were notable for their disc wheels and offered various body styles, including tourers and saloons. The company aimed to penetrate the export market, as evidenced by its prominent display at the 1920 Brussels Salon, which was notably larger than that of Citroën. Despite these efforts, Automobiles F. Crespelle ceased operations in 1923.