A Brief History of the Marque
Manufacturer: George Gauthier, Société de L'Auto-Fauteuil
23 Quai Henry Chavigny, Blois
The first machines were created in 1902 using an Aster engine, and until 1906 air-cooled and water-cooled De Dion-Bouton powerplants were in use. Subsequently the firm built their own engines.
The engine was located very close to the rear wheel and directly below the seat, which was rather like a chair. (The word fauteuil means "armchair") It was available in both ladies and gents versions and was quite an attractive vehicle, with advertising of the day clearly directed at the more well-to-do in society - doctors, lawyers, solicitors and clergy were mentioned.
Optional extras included a two-speed gearbox and clutch, front suspension, skirt guards for ladies and clergy, a luggage trunk, and a foot warmer which used exhaust gases for heating.
It is widely acknowledged as the first motor scooter.
Production ceased in 1920.
1913 Model
Sources:
scootermaniac.org, Didier Mahistre, motosdoseculoxx.blogspot.com
Bourdache pp 257, 266, 269, 270, 367, 380.
period literature
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