Pre-war address: 188 rue d'Alesia (Paris 14)
Manufactured by Ets. DF Constructors, Gentilly Seine, these were small two-stroke engines of 45 and 48cc built from 1948-57. The Vimer engine was used in the Wereld moped of the Netherlands, by Arliquie of Montargis, Grandière of Villeneuve-le-Roi, Guitton of Alfortville, and by Fouceaux. Imerix built a frame specifically for the Vimer.
The Vimer name is derived from those of M. Villard and his partner M. Mertion, and they are believed to have traded as Vimer-Mercier, so there was possibly a relationship with the Mercier firm, whose stand displayed the Vimer at the 1948 Paris Auto Salon.
A 1947 French article states, "Many visitors were surprised to learn that the 45 cmc Vimer was created in 1941. This is, however, the exact truth, and it confirms what we said earlier, namely that the development..."
DF built aviation components both before and after the war, and closed in 1969.
Paris Salon de l'Automobile, Octobre 1948
VIMER
Motocycle a été le premier à présenter ce moteur auxiliaire conçu et fabriqué par la Société D.F. C'est un 50 cmc. placé à la base du cadre et utilisant la chaîne de pédalier pour la transmission.
Le Vimer sera visible sur le stand des Cycles Mercier, dans un cadre tout spécialement conçu pour son usage, cadre mixte, spécialement rennage et réservoir d'essence sont en magnésium, d'où la légèreté du groupe dont le poids reste inférieur à 6 kilos.
Motocycle was the first to present this auxiliary engine designed and manufactured by the D.F. Company. It is a 50cc engine, mounted at the base of the frame and using the bottom bracket chain for transmission.
The Vimer will be on display at the Mercier Cycles stand, in a frame specially designed for its use. This hybrid frame, with its specially designed wheels and fuel tank, is made of magnesium, hence the lightness of the group, which weighs less than 6 kilograms.
1948 Paris Salon, Motocycles. Courtesy Memoire du Cycle.
Sources: Philippe Lefebvre (Motos Francaise archive); Motocycles; BuyVintage.
