Le Zèbre Type A 1909

Chassis n° 5654 Engine n°5654 French registration The "Le Zèbre" Type A with a two-seater, single-cylinder round body in the 5hp category is one of the first popular cars in history, both in terms of its purchase price: less than 3,000 francs, and its running costs: 4 centimes per kilometre in petrol, oil and tyres! The little Le Zebre we are presenting has been in the same family for almost forty years. It was bought from a true enthusiast who owned several models. Amusingly, the registration card dates it to 1907, a year in which the Le Zèbre brand was not yet officially created. "This light car is what the zebra is to the horse, that is to say a robust car although of reduced proportions"! One of the most famous brands of pre-1914 French cars is the firm of Jules Salomon: "Le Zèbre". The specifications are well defined: simplicity, quality, reliability, robustness, economy. The "Le Zèbre" corresponds well to all of these, it has the right reputation of a car without worries. "A mechanism so simple that a breakdown is almost impossible and that anyone can maintain it in good condition. At the beginning of the 20th century, driving a car was still reserved at a wealthy clientele, and cars were only luxury or sports cars. Wealthy customers bought a chassis and its engine and had it customised by the great names in French or foreign bodywork. Jules Salomon's ambition was to offer a car that was accessible to all; he had to put a small, popular and inexpensive car on the market. At a time when all manufacturers swore by one-upmanship, and when all the superlatives were in order, the gamble was risky. In 1909, the Le Zèbre Type A was launched and was a great success. With its two small seats, its 50 km/h top speed, its 650 cm3 single cylinder and its two speeds, it couldn't be simpler. The car was immobilised a few years ago although it was in perfect working order. We could see that the compression was good when the crank was turned and that the gears engaged without any problem. It has benefited from an old restoration, which now gives it a soft patina. The car is very complete and sound. Note the torpedo tank, recognizable by the height of the fuel cap. The hand throttle rod is broken in two, it will have to be re-welded. The "Le Zèbre" Type A with a two-seater, single cylinder round body in the 5hp category is one of the first popular cars in history, both in terms of its purchase price: less than 3,000 francs, and its running costs: 4 centimes per kilometre in petrol, oil and tyres! The seat is in good condition and very comfortable! This is a very nice project to get back on the road and enjoy the charm of the « teuf-teuf » without spending too much money. A perfect school to put one foot in the ancestors and to open up to the pre-war classic car.