Mochet
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1946 in Puteaux, France |
| Founder | Georges Mochet |
| Defunct | 1958 |
| Headquarters | Puteaux , France |
| Products | Cycle-cars, microcars, motorized two-wheelers |
Georges Mochet started manufacturing cycle-cars at his facility in Puteaux around 1946. By 1952, the company had progressed to producing contemporary two-seat microcars along with motorized two-wheelers. Production ceased in 1958 after roughly 3,000 units had been built.
The enterprise was passed down to Georges by his father, Charles Mochet (1880–1934), who began making pedal-powered children's cars following World War I. Between 1924 and 1934, Charles developed the lightweight pedal-driven 'Vélocar' cycle-car. In 1934, he launched the innovative 'Vélo-Vélocar' recumbent bicycles, which broke speed records but were later prohibited from competition by the Union Cycliste Internationale. Charles Mochet passed away shortly afterward.
The emphasis after the war on recumbent bicycles, the popularity of cycle-cars in petrol-scarce France, and subsequently microcars under Georges represented a natural continuation of the pre-war family business.
The 1953 model known as the “Type CM Grand luxe” maintained its 125 cc engine but introduced a new “ponton” style design with headlights integrated into the front fenders. With dimensions of only 2550 mm in length and 1130 mm in width, it resembled a compact traditional automobile while preserving the original “Type K” cycle-car’s wheelbase of 1700 mm and front track of 980 mm.
At the October 1953 Paris Motor Show, Mochet presented a contemporary small convertible that was closer in size to mainstream cars. This Mochet 750 prototype was powered by a twin-cylinder 748cc engine producing 40 hp—derived from BMW motorcycle engines commonly used by law enforcement—but it never advanced to production.