Villard (automobile/cyclecar)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1925 |
| Defunct | 1935 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Cyclecars, small delivery vans, four-wheeled cars |
Villard was a French car maker that operated between 1925 and 1935.
Origins
The initial 4HP Villard appeared in 1923, entering the post-World War I Cyclecar segment somewhat late. It utilized a three-wheel configuration with a single front wheel responsible for both propulsion and steering. The vehicle had a wheelbase of , and was driven by a 345cc two-stroke engine.
Introduction
This model was first presented to the public at the 19th Paris Motor Show held in October 1924, with a price tag of 4,950 francs. The company, Société des Automobiles Villard, was formally established in 1925.
Development phase
By 1928, Villard was still manufacturing three-wheeled cyclecars maintaining the same wheelbase but now equipped with an upgraded 350cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine. A significant number of these vehicles were converted into compact delivery vans aimed at commercial customers.
Final period
In 1927, Villard launched a limited edition of four-wheeled models featuring front-wheel chain drive and introduced an alternative powertrain option: a 500cc V4-cylinder engine.