Sizaire-Naudin

France, 1905 – 1921

(1) Ets Sizaire et Naudin, Paris 15e

(2) Sté Nouvelle des Autos Sizaire, Paris 15e

The Sizaire-Naudin car was one of the pioneers of that typical French breed, the small sporting voiturette. Designed by Maurice Sizaire and built by Louis Naudin, the Sizaire-Naudin car first appeared at the end of 1905 as a 1906 model, and the Sizaire-Naudin car quickly won acclaim for cheapness, simplicity and strength. The 100x120mm (918cc), single-cylinder engine of De Dion type, but with an overhead inlet valve, was normal enough, and the armoured-wood frame as old-fashioned. However, the independent front suspension of the Sizaire-Naudin car, by transverse leaf spring and sliding pillars, had been seen only on the defunct Decauville ‘Voiturelle’ and Adler, and the transmission of the Sizaire-Naudin car, which provided direct drive on all 3 forward speeds by means of a propeller shaft that shifted to engage corresponding rings of teeth on the crown wheel, was entirely Sizaire-Naudin cars own. Though unconventional, the suspension and drive of the Sizaire-Naudin car worked well enough, as was proved by the Sizaire-Naudin car’s wins in the Coupe de l’Auto race in 1906, 1907 and 1908, and in the Sicilian Cup race in 1907. Until 1910, the power output of the single-cylinder engine of the Sizaire-Naudin car was increased by enlarging the bore, and then progressively lengthening the stroke (as was fashionable at a time when racing formulas had the effect of restricting bore). By that year, dimensions on the production Sizaire-Naudin car were 120x140mm (over 1.500cc). The limit of this type of design had been reached, and 4-cylinder engines were replacing it in the Sizaire-Naudin car. A small, long-stroke four, also with overhead inlet valves, was offered alongside a single. The latter survived until 1913, but by then the Sizaire-Naudin car had grown up in every way. The Sizaire-Naudin cars were modern, conventional family cars, with sv, L-head Monobloc 4-cylinder engines made by Ballot, and normal front suspension. These Sizaire-Naudin cars were continued for a short time after World War 1.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; TRN

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