Bignan (automobile)
| File:Emblem Bignan.JPG | |
| Founded | 1918 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jacques Bignan |
| Defunct | 1931 |
| Headquarters | Courbevoie, Paris (France) |
| Products | Cars |
The Bignan marque represented a French automotive manufacturer active from 1918 until 1931, operating out of Courbevoie, situated to the north of central Paris. Established by Jacques Bignan, the firm initially concentrated on custom engine production before shifting its focus to automobile construction following the First World War.
History
The enterprise was officially registered by Jacques Bignan in 1918, with its first public appearance occurring at the Paris Motor Show in October 1919. The debut model featured a four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2,940 cc (25 CV) and was built on a wheelbase. The bare chassis was priced at 30,000 francs, while fully assembled vehicles with "torpedo" style bodies were offered at 38,500 francs. The majority of these cars were equipped with tourer-style coachwork, and several units were utilized as official vehicles during the 1920 Tour de France.
In 1922, the company expanded its lineup by launching two distinct models: an 11CV powered by a 2-litre engine and a one-litre sports car, which was essentially a rebadged Salmson AL3. The 11CV came with a four-speed transmission and servo-assisted braking systems, producing 50 bhp in standard production and reaching up to 70 bhp in racing variants that employed desmodromic valve technology. Only two competition-spec cars were manufactured, both achieving significant success including a class victory at Spa-Francorchamps. By 1926, the 11CV received enhancements such as an eight-valve cylinder head and dual oil pumps, increasing power output to 60 bhp.
Financial instability forced the company into bankruptcy in 1926, after which it was acquired by Société La Cigogne, prompting Jacques Bignan to exit the firm. Subsequent changes in ownership culminated with control passing to Mécanique-Outillage-Pièces détachés (MOP), presumably a specialist in tools and automotive components, by 1928. Under the "MOP-Bignan" brand, two models—the 2-litre "11CV" and a "14CV" featuring an overhead valve S.C.A.P. straight-eight engine displacing 2.5 litres—were presented at the Paris Motor Show in October 1928 and continued production until the company's dissolution in 1931.
Motorsport
In the 1920 Grand Prix de Voiturettes held at Le Mans, three Type B vehicles participated, with drivers Nogue and Delauney securing second and third places respectively behind the winning Bugatti Type 13.
By 1923, Bignan's core offering was centered on the 2-litre 11CV engine, which powered a car that achieved third place overall in the inaugural Le Mans 24 Hours race. Although later results did not match this success, Bignan returned to compete at Le Mans in both 1924 and 1925, attaining twelfth place in the latter year. This same power unit also propelled a Bignan to victory in the 1924 Monte Carlo Rally. Remarkably advanced for its era, the competition model incorporated four valves per cylinder—a feature that many rivals would only adopt decades later. Reflecting this technological leadership, the company’s slogan for the 1924 motor show was Toujours en avance sur le progrès ("Always ahead of progress").
An example of an 11CV saloon driven by Jacques Édouard Ledure claimed first place at the 1924 Monte Carlo Rally.
References
