Weymann Fabric Bodies
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive coachbuilding, Aircraft fuselage construction |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Founder | Charles Weymann |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Aircraft fuselages, automobile coachwork |
Weymann Fabric Bodies represents a patented approach to crafting aircraft fuselages and ultra-lightweight coachwork for automobiles. This design utilized a wood frame joined by patented flexible joints and covered with fabric, gaining popularity on vehicles from the 1920s through the early 1930s. The flexible connections helped to minimize the squeaking and rattling noises often associated with coachbuilt automobile bodies.
For automobiles, this system delivered a quieter ride along with enhanced performance thanks to its reduced weight. However, it offered limited protection during severe collisions and required upkeep to avoid wood decay. The fabric surface produced a matte appearance with distinct frame angles; subsequently, metal corner fittings were introduced to soften these edges. Additionally, several layers of meticulously hand-sanded paint, known as Tôle Souple, were applied to imitate the look of polished metal panels.
Although launched in 1921, the popularity of Weymann bodies diminished within ten years.
Weymann body system
The Weymann construction utilizes an extremely lightweight wooden framework connected by specialized metal joints designed to prevent direct wood-to-wood contact. Rounded external corners are formed using metal panels. Tension wires help maintain the shape of doors under stress. The frame is covered first with muslin stretched over chicken wire, followed by layers of cotton batting on larger sections, and finally finished with pigmented synthetic leather fabric. Aluminium mouldings trim exposed fabric joints. Seating is mounted directly onto the chassis.
Passengers experienced limited isolation from engine vibrations; however, high-end models incorporated heavily sprung seats equipped with pneumatic cushions for increased comfort. This system supported smoother operation of multi-cylinder engines and foreshadowed the adoption of flexible engine mounts and advanced suspension systems that eventually replaced basic leaf springs.
Benefits over traditional coachbuilt methods
J Gurney Nutting of Chelsea endorsed Weymann bodies—including those acquired by The Prince of Wales—highlighting features such as:
- Complete silence during travel
- Durability on par with other body types
- Capability to withstand rough terrain and high speeds
- Elimination of squeaks, rattles, and drafts
- Absence of drumming or rumbling sounds
- Lightweight construction enhancing fuel efficiency and speed
- Comfort and luxury in all weather conditions
- More affordable than similar coachbuilt composite bodies
- Ease of maintenance, cleaning, and repairs
Inventor and patent proprietor
The concept was developed by Charles Weymann (1889–1976). His Paris-based coachbuilding firm, Carrossier Weymann located at 20 rue Troyon, created stylish and luxurious bodies for marques such as Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Hispano-Suiza, among others, branded as Les Carrosseries C. T. Weymann, 18-20 rue Troyon, Paris.
Construction Z
While Daimler traditionally manufactured their own car bodies and supplied chassis to external coachbuilders, in early 1924 they began producing fabric-bodied Weymann-style flexible frames praised for their "natural silence" and comfort on extended journeys. These featured Dryad wicker basket seats quilted in Bedford cord. Daimler marketed these Weymann-inspired bodies under the name Construction Z.
Coachbuilder licensees
The Paris-based licensing entity of Weymann granted permission to various manufacturers to create fabric-covered bodies designed for attachment to chassis. It reported having 123 licensees and collected royalties on approximately 70,000 produced bodies.
Among the prominent licensed producers were:
- Weymann Motor Bodies Limited, established in England in 1922, began issuing licenses in 1923 to companies such as the Rover Company. In 1925, the firm expanded its operations into body manufacturing by acquiring the Cunard coachbuilding business located in Putney, South London. The company prospered and relocated to a larger facility at the former Blériot aircraft manufacturing plant in Addlestone near Weybridge, Surrey. By 1930, it shifted its concentration toward bus body production and subsequently merged with Metro Cammell Weymann in 1932.
- Weymann American Body Company based in Indianapolis, USA
- Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, Italy, known for developing its proprietary Superleggera structural technique.
English licensees 1928
A collaborative advertisement published by Weymann Motor Bodies (1925) Limited featured these officially recognized English license holders:
| Horace Adams, Newcastle upon Tyne | T H Gill & Son, W1 | Mulliners, Birmingham |
| William Arnold, Manchester | H A Hamshaw, Leicester | Arthur Mulliner, Northampton |
| J Blake & Co, Liverpool | Hancock & Warman, Coventry | K J Newns, Thames Ditton |
| Cadogan Motors, Fulham | Thomas Harrington, Brighton | J Gurney Nutting & Co, Chelsea |
| Carlton Carriage Co, Willesden | Kelly Davies Co, Manchester | Park Ward, Willesden |
| Caversham Motors, Reading | W H Knibbs & Sons, Manchester | F W Plaxton Smith & Bianchi, Scarborough |
| John Chalmers & Sons, Redhill | Lancefield Coachworks, W13 | Rippon Bros, Huddersfield |
| Charlesworth Bodies, Coventry | Mann Egerton & Co, W1 | Union Motor Car Co, SW1 |
| Connaught Motor & Carriage, W1 | Marshalsea Bros, Taunton | Martin Walter, Folkestone |
| Flewitt, Birmingham | E Maule & Son, Stockton-on-Tees | F J Williams, Cheltenham |
| John Fowler & Sons, Harrogate | Morgan & Co, Leighton Buzzard | G Wylder & Co, Kew Gardens |
| Freestone & Webb, Willesden | Motor Bodies & Engineering Co, N7 | James Young & Co, Bromley Kent |
See also
References
External links
- Coachbuilt Weymann American website presenting technical diagrams and references to Weymann bodies including a May 1927 MoToR publication, a 1930 Stutz brochure, and the August 1929 "press release" concerning the Stutz Weymann Chateau model; also includes mentions of J. Gurney Nutting Co., Ltd. [1]
- Voisin C7 (featuring Weymann bodywork) currently under restoration [2]