If the motorcycle does turn out to be a genuine Ader its value will be inestimable. Clément Ader was the stuff of legend, an iconic Frenchman whose tale has yet to be told to the world. Think World's Fastest Indian, on steroids.
Les machines de course de ce début de xxe siècle dégagent une extrême bestialité même à l’arrêt. Supportant un petit réservoir profilé, les magnétos et la boite à pile, le cadre épouse généreusement les formes du moteur. Le bicylindre en V de 1000 cm3 , dépourvu d’ailette, comme tout engin de course qui se respecte, pourrait ressembler à un bicylindre en V de marque Ader. Dans une odeur d’huile brûlée, cet assemblage pétaradant a dû faire la fierté de son concepteur le temps de quelques courses…
Racing machines at the beginning of the 20th century were of extreme bestiality even at a standstill. Carrying a small sleek tank, magnetos and a battery box, the frame generously molds the engine's shapes. With no fins and like any self-respecting racing machine, this 1,000 cc V-twin cylinder could look like an Ader V-twin cylinder machine. With a smell of burnt oil, this backfiring assembly must have made its creator proud during some races.
Quoted from the auction catalogue PDF.
This image is © Artcurial and is published here with their kind permsission.
Based in Paris, the auction house specialises in fine art, jewellery, wines, antiques, collector cars and motorcycles.
In February 2018 Artcurial auctioned the spectacular Guélon Collection
