French Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Atlas Tricycles and Quadricycles

The Atlas was built by Société des Usines Prunel of Puteaux from 1900 to 1902, when they changed the name of the marque to Prunel. These were sold until 1907, and were also marketed in England by Boyer under several names. It has been suggested that Atlas also built motor tricycles, but no evidence of this has appeared.

Sources: autopasion18.com, de.wikipedia.org, The Motor Cycle.

The "ATLAS" co., Usines Prunel, 4. Rue de Paris, Puteaux, show a standard pattern De Dion quadricycle. The motor is of 4½ horse-power, with water-cooled head, and the radiators for cooling the circulation water are mounted at the ends of the tank. The controlling levers are placed well forward on the horizontal tube. The front carriage is of very comfortable design, and everything about the machine is of the finest quality and finish. If desired, a two-speed gear can be included in the equipment. The maximum speed obtainable is 32 miles per hour.

Motor Cycling magazine, Paris Salon, Dec 24th 1902

Several firms used the Atlas name: see Disambiguation

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