Motosacoche racer Pelissier – Rene Gillet racer Dupont 1914 French Grand Prix

Description

A superb and rare photo of the Swiss
Motosacoche
motorcycle with rider Pelissier and the French Rene Gillet motorcycle with rider Dupont at the 1914 French Grand Prix.
Motosacoche
was founded in 1899, by Henri and Armand Dufaux, in
Geneva
,
Switzerland
. Motosacoche was once the biggest Swiss motorcycle manufacturer, known also for its MAG (Motosacoche Acacias Genève) proprietary-engines used by other European motorcycle manufacturers. From 1900 Motosacoche produced a bicycle auxiliary engine, in a subframe that could be installed into a conventional bicycle. This looked like an engine in a bag, hence the Motosacoche name, meaning "engine in a bag". In 1910 Royal Enfield used Motosacoche 344 cc 2.75 hp engines in a successful V-twin model. They are reputed to have supplied Triumph, Ariel, Matchless and Brough-Superior with engines at times too, first through H & A Dufaux England Ltd, and then, by 1912, Motosacoche Ltd (GB), with Osborne Louis De Lissa. Motosacoche had factories in
Switzerland
,
France
and
Italy
, and supplied MAG engines to continental manufacturers including Clement, Condor, Imperia, Neander and Monet Goyon. When the Bol d'Or 24-hour event was first held on the outskirts of
Paris
in 1922 the winning rider covered more than
750 miles
(
1206 kilometres
) on a 500 cc Motosacoche. It was not until 1928 that they made a name in the Grand Prix, with the Motosacoche
350 M
35 ohc racing bike, built by Dougal Marchant, of
England
, ridden to two European championship titles, 350 and 500, by Wal Handley. Bert le Vack joined Motosacoche in the late 1920s. He had ridden in the 1914 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy and became the works rider, chief designer and tuner. Le Vack was killed in an accident in the Swiss Alps on
17 September 1931
, while testing the Motosacoche A50 on public roads close to their factory. During the 1930s Motosacoche were eclipsed by the Norton Motorcycle Company and went into decline. After World War II, an unusual Marchant designed 200 cc sv was shown in 1947, but not produced. In 1953 Richard Kuchen designed German UT motorcycles were marketed under the Motosacoche name, but this was unsuccessful, and by 1956 motorcycles were no longer produced, but MAG stationary and industrial motors continued.
This is a very nice and very rare
non period
photo that reflects a wonderful era of Motosacoche ‘s rich motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x 30 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.