Dresch
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing |
| Founded | 1920 in Étampes, France |
| Founder | Henri Dresch |
| Defunct | 1949 |
| Headquarters | Paris (15th district) , France |
| Products | Motorcycles |
Dresch et Cie operated as a prominent French motorcycle producer from 1920 until 1949, established in Étampes by the industrial entrepreneur Henri Dresch. Within just five months of inception, the firm emerged as a frontrunner in the industry by integrating cutting-edge innovations such as press-steel frames, fork assemblies, and shaft-driven systems. Subsequently, the company shifted its operations to the Everest facility situated in Paris's 15th district.
The lineup featured single-cylinder two-stroke motorcycles ranging from 98cc to 246cc alongside premium 750cc four-cylinder variants. Dresch utilized engines provided by various manufacturers including Aubier Dunne, Chaise, JAP, MAG, Stainless, and Train. In 1930, the company introduced a 498cc inline-twin motorcycle comparable in design to the later British Sunbeam models.
As a major manufacturer, Dresch produced motorcycles on a large scale—up to 10,000 units yearly—and expanded through acquisitions of firms such as Le Grimpeur (1926), PS, Everest, and DFR (1928). The brand prioritized manufacturing well-crafted yet affordable motorcycles and was a supplier for the Paris police force. Over time, the business underwent multiple organizational changes, adopting names like Général Motos Cycles in 1929, Dresch-Macam and DFR-Macam in 1932, before settling on SA Dreschmotor.
Motorcycle production halted in 1939 due to the outbreak of World War II. After the war, there were initiatives to launch the "Baltimore" model—a 350cc motorcycle featuring shaft drive—with a prototype displayed in 1948. Despite continuing spare parts availability into the 1950s, insufficient advance orders prevented a return to manufacturing.
External links
Bibliography
- Erwin Tragatsch, Alle Motorräder 1894-1981: Eine Typengeschichte. 2500 Marken aus 30 Ländern, Stuttgart 1997. ISBN 3-87943-410-7