Métallurgique

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L'Auto-Métallurgique SA share from 1920

The SA L'Auto Métallurgique was a Belgian automobile manufacturer , the 1898 to 1928 automobiles under the name Métallurgique in Marchienne-au-Pont created. Before that, the company had been involved in the production of locomotives and other rolling stock .

The first cars were 4.5 HP two-cylinder models with chain drive, but in 1905 a new, modern series was introduced, designed by Ernst Lehmann . Lehmann joined Métallurgique from Daimler in 1903 . These cars with pressed steel frames, rear-wheel drive and the option of electrical lighting on customer request made the company one of the most distinguished sports car manufacturers in Europe. In 1906, the 60/80 hp model came with a four-cylinder engine , 10-liter displacement and variable-speed valves, whose engine made 100 hp at 1400 rpm. In the same year the cars received a fashionable pointed radiator. In 1908, in addition to the 60/80 hp, a 40 hp model was offered as a smaller version; the two-cylinder models were omitted. In 1909 a smaller 5-liter car with 26 hp was added. In 1911 all cars got four-speed transmissions. The bodies were supplied by Carosserie Van den Plas in Antwerp.

From 1909 onwards, Métallurgique automobiles were also manufactured under license by Bergmann Elektrizitätswerke in Berlin . The company had previously built electric vehicles. The license production came on the market as Bergmann-Metallurgique .

After the First World War , automobile production continued with the 26 hp model (with Adex four- wheel brakes), the 20/40 hp and the 15/20 hp. The first post-war designs were available from 1921 as 3-liter and more importantly as 2-liter touring cars with overhead camshafts , designed by Paul Bastien .

In 1927 the company was taken over by Imperia , which in turn was later bought by Minerva . The name Métallurgique disappeared. Paul Bastien went to the US automobile manufacturer Stutz , where he designed in-line eight-cylinder engines.

  • Métallurgique 18 HP from 1911

  • Métallurgique from 1921

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Commons : Métallurgique vehicles  - collection of images, videos and audio files