André Py
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Defunct | 1900 |
| Headquarters | Angoulême , France |
Key people | André Py (founder, designer, technical head) |
| Products | Automobiles (André Py 3½ CV Voiturette) |
André Py (active 1898–1900) was a pioneering French automobile engineer and manufacturer, recognized for developing a three-wheeled motorized voiturette in 1899. This model was produced by the Compagnie des Automobiles du Sud-Ouest, located in Angoulême, France.[1] Py's lightweight automobile showcased a novel combination of front-wheel drive paired with rear-wheel steering, a unique design that was not widely adopted.[2]
Early life
During the late 1890s, Py was engaged in activities within the Charente area of southwestern France, living in Angoulême.[3]
Cycling Career
The cycling sector in France during the 1890s significantly influenced early automotive developments. By 1898, Py had engineered a three-wheeled motor vehicle drawing inspiration from motorized tricycles and bicycle mechanics. He presented this prototype at the first-ever Paris Motor Show held in December 1898, featuring his front-wheel-drive motor tricycle.[4] The vehicle’s design attracted notice due to its unconventional configuration, which bore similarities yet differences to Léon Bollée’s three-wheeler.[5]
After the initial presentation, Py collaborated with local financiers to bring the vehicle into production. Early in 1899, he co-established the Compagnie des Automobiles du Sud-Ouest in Angoulême, taking on roles as both designer and technical head. That same year marked the start of manufacturing the "André Py" voiturette.[1]
Milestones
- 1898 – Introduced a prototype front-wheel-drive motorized tricycle at the Paris Automobile Salon, among the earliest publicly displayed vehicles utilizing front-wheel drive.
- 1899 – Launched the Compagnie des Automobiles du Sud-Ouest in Angoulême and released the André Py 3½ CV Voiturette, equipped with a single-cylinder 3.5 horsepower engine, a three-speed gearbox, and tandem seating for two passengers. The car could reach speeds near 30 km/h (19 mph) and was sold for approximately 3,000 francs.
- 1900 – Discontinued production after roughly two years, having manufactured only a small quantity of automobiles before shutting down operations.
See also
References
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