French Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Marot Gardon

The Marot-Gardon was a French automobile manufactured between 1899 and 1904.

The company, based in Corbie and with offices at 37 rue Brunel Paris, began with the manufacture of racing tricycles, and by 1900 had progressed to the construction of a single-cylinder 3 hp Voiturette.

In an 1898 advertisment the company offers Motocycles, Comiot-Créanche Tricycles á Petrole, and Bicyclettes.

1900 Power increased to 4.5 hp

1900 UK Agents were William H. M. Burgess

1901 Produced a two-seater 6 hp chain-drive model and a 7 hp racing Voiturette

A very original example of a tricycle dated c.1899 put up for auction in 2018 was described as having a De Dion-Bouton engine and a gearbox by P. Balvay built to a patent by M. Didier.

See also Comiot

Marot-Gardon-1898c-GHe.jpg
Marot Gardon Tricycle c.1898

Fig. 63. — Tricycle de Marot Gardon.

Tricycles Marot Gardon. — Ces motocycles sont d’une construction irréprochable, en matériaux de première qualité et montés avec un soin parfait, aussi sont-ils très appréciés, en raison de leur robustesse et de leur bon fonctionnement. La disposition générale est celle du tricycle de Dion, mais avec plus d’élégance et de fini. Toutes les parties mobiles se trouvent protégées ; des haubans empêchent toute flexion du pont arrière, l’ensemble donne une impression de solidité, et les organes de commande sont bien groupés. Ces machines ont prouvé leur valeur et leur endurance dans de nombreuses courses où ils ont honorablement figuré, notament dans la célèbre course de Paris-Amsterdam et retour et la Coupe des Motocycles de 1898.


Marot Gardon tricycles. — These motorcycles are of impeccable construction, made from top quality materials and mounted with great care, so they are much appreciated, due to their sturdiness and functionality. The general arrangement is that of De Dion's tricycle, but with more elegance and finish. All moving parts are protected; guy ropes prevent any bending from the rear axle, the whole gives an impression of solidity, and the controls are well grouped. These machines have proven their worth and endurance in many races where they have honorably appeared, notably in the famous Paris-Amsterdam-Paris race and the 1898 Motorcycle Cup.
Source: Graffigny Chapter VII Tricycles

Sources: Graces Guide, Guélon Collection


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