By Michael O'Neill
During a visit to France, I came across an old motorcycle. I noticed it had a British engine. On the tank it said Pierton. I thought it was a mistake for Norton. Never having heard of this marque, I started researching it. Tragastsch's book told me it was built between 1922 & 1925.
During the 1920s there was an industrial boom in France and many small companies were born. In Courbevoie there were several motorcycle builders who appeared to be working closely together. Some were using the same address, maybe as registered offices or joint workshop units under one roof.
It seems it was common practice to use proprietary engines, gearboxes and frames, and although there was a plentiful supply of French made parts , there was also a lust for British components. Many small companies could almost be seen as custom assemblers. Motos "Pierton" was created in 1922 at 39 Rue Louis Blanc, Courbevoie. It was a joint enterprise between Adrien Piermé and the talented engineer Gaston Durand, using the Pier and ton from their names to form the company name. "Pierton".
Gaston Durand was a prolific designer who registered 44 patents between 1925 and 1953. He worked with many other motorcycle manufacturers, and was a talented rider who raced under the name "Gaston".
It is known that Pierton used Madoz, JAP and Blackburne engines. They used gearboxes from Burman and Campbell. Forks were by Druid or Webb, as well as Pierton's own design.
Erwin Tragatsch states that Pierton used Aubier & Dunne engines, which implies that they may have built BMA machines.
The Pierton was first presented to the public at the "Auto Salon of Brussels" in January 1923. Its engine is a Madoz with a revolutionary aluminium head. Depending on the sources, the forks were Webb or Druid. The address at this time was Usines "Pierton" 50 Avenue Marceau, Courbevoie.
The first image appeared in Moto Revue in February 1923 and shows a hastily finished machine. Speed was said to be guaranteed at 120 to 125 kmh. It was offered for sale at 4,500 francs, that was a high price, that made it one of the most expensive French machines available. 19 -21 May 1923: Pierton entered the 2nd Bol d'Or. Two Piertons took part in the race. Pierton I Camille Parizet came 4th in the 500 cc class, but 8th overall, plus rode the fastest lap at 81 kph. Pierton II, Henri Laurent, distinguished himself by pirouetting in the ditch! He did a repair in his pit in order to complete 147 laps and came 16th.
The following is an extract from the magazine "Cyclecars, Motos & Voiturettes" by a journalist attending the event:
22 -24 June 1923 French Grand Prix of Tours
Again two Piertons took part, riders were Parizet no31 and Vandenbosche no39. However Vandenbosche was not able to start for "lack of proof of insurance"!? The other rider, Parizet, drops it on the first lap and leaves with a fractured frame, the machine becoming unmanageable. Pierton no 39 was raced, but it's not known if it was Laurent or Durand that was the rider. The final results cannot be found.
7- October 1923 Course de cote de Gaillon
Gaston Durand, the builder of the Pierton took part in this hill climb event and was 4th in the 500cc category at 50.2 sec and was 6th overall.
12-11-1924 Third Coupe de l'Armistice
This is a time trial around Paris through the beautiful landscapes of Ile-de-France. There are 105 participants who will be penalized by one point per minute lost. Lunch is at Versailles from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m!
Francisquet, (Sunbeam) was first and Bruchner (Pierton) was second.
Interestingly Pierme, the joint founder of Pierton, had several bikes entered in this race under his name. One might assume this was a sign of the beginning of the end of Pierton.
N.B. The piece by Michael O'Neill has been lightly edited. Ed.
Sources: Tragatsch p250, Michael O'Neill.
