Ariès
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1902 |
| Founder | Baron Charles Petiet |
| Defunct | 1937 |
| Headquarters | Asnières-sur-Seine , France |
Area served | France |
| Products | Automobiles, commercial vehicles, aircraft engines, moped engines (post-WWII) |
The Ariès was a French car brand produced by La Société des Automobile Ariès, located in Asnières-sur-Seine. Established in 1902 by Baron Charles Petiet, the firm ended vehicle manufacturing in 1937 after creating approximately 20,000 automobiles.
At the outset, Ariès manufactured shaft-driven vehicles with two- and four-cylinder engines, assembling them in batches of 20 chassis. These cars were distinguished by a rare double rear axle design and utilized engines supplied by Aster.
In 1907, the company engineered its own compact narrow-angle V4 engine, featuring a single cast iron monobloc cylinder head mounted on a lightweight alloy crankcase. This engine arranged four cylinders in a square pattern with a 15° V angle, displaced 1.13 litres, and was rated at 8/10 fiscal horsepower. Among its advanced characteristics were a drilled crankshaft enabling pressure-fed lubrication, while the pistons relied on splash lubrication. This powerplant was intended for use across multiple vehicle types as a replacement unit.
By 1910, Ariès introduced a V6 engine powering the 10/14 hp S6 model. That same year marked the company's expansion into commercial vehicles, focusing mainly on military trucks for the French armed forces during World War I, alongside the production of Hispano-Suiza aircraft engines.
Following the war, Ariès unveiled three new models: a four-cylinder 7 cv OHC with a 1085 cc displacement and two versions of a 15 cv 3-litre automobile—one equipped with a sidevalve Aster engine and another featuring a sporty OHC design. These performance-oriented cars enjoyed some success in racing competitions.
Throughout the 1920s, Ariès actively participated in motor racing events such as touring car contests and entries at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Prominent drivers like Robert Laly and Jean Chassagne piloted the 3-litre models during these competitions.
The economic downturn of the 1930s prompted the discontinuation of the obsolete 1100 cc and 3-litre variants. They were succeeded by new models with 1500 cc and 2-litre engines that incorporated an unconventional three-speed transmission coupled with two-speed rear axle gearing, effectively providing six forward speeds. Production of the Super 10-50 model remained limited.
After World War II, Ariès made a brief return by manufacturing moped engines under the ABG name.
See also
- Arthur Duray, recognized for driving Ariès vehicles in competitive racing during the late 1920s.