Delaugère & Clayette Quadricycle classic cars for sale

History of Delaugère & Clayette Quadricycle

Founded in Orléans, France, Delaugère & Clayette was active at the turn of the 20th century, a pioneering period for the automobile. The Quadricycle emerged in an era when manufacturers experimented with designs and propulsion concepts, striving for reliability and ease of use. These vehicles marked the transition from motorised bicycles to proper four-wheeled vehicles. Delaugère & Clayette’s approach combined craftsmanship typical of French coachbuilders with inventive engineering, resulting in a distinctive Quadricycle that stood out among early competitors.

Model history

The Quadricycle was Delaugère & Clayette’s answer to a growing market for practical, lightweight motor vehicles. It evolved from simple motor tricycles, introducing improved stability and increased passenger comfort. The model series did not have direct predecessors within the company, as it marked their initial step into four-wheel design. Later models from the marque would move towards more robust and technically advanced automobiles, refining the concepts introduced in the Quadricycle.

Highlights of Delaugère & Clayette Quadricycle

The Quadricycle set itself apart with a minimalist chassis and lightweight construction, optimised for the modest power output of its early combustion engine. Its straightforward design allowed novices to access self-propelled travel—a significant leap from horse-drawn carriages or pedal-powered velocipedes. Engineering ingenuity is evident in the transmission and suspension, which were simple yet effective for period road conditions.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Documentation regarding special editions of the Delaugère & Clayette Quadricycle is extremely limited. Each surviving example can be considered unique due to hand-built variations typical of early French manufacturers at the time. No official limited series or factory-issued special models have been identified within public records.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Due to the rudimentary technology and materials from the pioneer age of motoring, typical issues include ageing of original steel components and susceptibility to corrosion. Lubrication systems are primitive, so careful management of engine and transmission oiling is essential. Sourcing authentic replacement components for the frame, drivetrain and bodywork may require specialist restoration or fabrication. Wooden or leather body elements should be checked for deterioration.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Performance of the Quadricycle is modest by modern standards, suited to the low-speed road environment of its time. The light frame and basic suspension cater for gentle cruising. Acceleration is unhurried, and top speeds rarely exceed 30 km/h depending on engine variant. The simple transmission—often single speed or with a minimal gear range—emphasises reliability over complexity. Early cable or rod steering systems impart direct feedback, and braking distances are long, requiring anticipatory driving. Comfort levels are basic, yet the car embodies the sensation of pioneering road travel.

Popular Quadricycle examples focus on well-preserved or authentically restored original specimens, prized for retaining period-correct mechanical components and documentation. Significant value is attributed to completeness, originality, and provenance. undefined

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Delaugère & Clayette’s Quadricycle eschews unnecessary ornamentation, instead displaying meticulous coachbuilt quality in the seating and controls. Exposed chassis elements and spartan interiors characterise the model, sometimes finished with fine woods or leathers depending on available resources at the workshop. The wire-spoke wheels, compact fenders and tubular bodywork reflect technical priorities of the period. Accessories would include period-appropriate lighting (often acetylene or early electric lamps), horn, and sometimes custom touches requested by first owners—each vehicle can reveal unique coachbuilder details.

Other relevant features

The Quadricycle’s simplicity makes it a popular subject for automotive historians and museum exhibits, as it represents the birth of the four-wheeled car in France. Surviving examples are often found in public collections or at historic motoring events, valued for their original craftsmanship and as milestones of technical evolution.

Summary

The Delaugère & Clayette Quadricycle provides an unfiltered experience of pre-1910 motoring innovation. As the only model of its marque regularly encountered on the classic car market, it holds a special place for enthusiasts interested in the genesis of automotive engineering and coachbuilt tradition. Its presence in supply and demand statistics highlights its singular significance within the classic French vehicle segment.