Germain

Belgium, 1897 – 1914

SA des Ateliers Germain, Monceau-sur-Sambre

The first cars to emerge from the Germain factory were German Phoenix-Daimlers built under licence; hence their name Daimler-Belge. Up to 1903, 2- and 4-cylinder models were offered, on Daimler and then on the very similar Panhard lines; in fact the 1901 cars were now described as ‘improved Panhards’. The first home-grown design of Germain was the Germain 15/18hp of 1903, which like all Germains to come was a beautifully-made machine with above average performance. The L-head, 4-cylinder engine in the Germain had dual ignition and, unusual in Belgian cars at the time, a 4-speed gearbox. The 1904 Germain cars had pressed-steel chassis and in 1906 the shallow oval radiator was adopted. The best-known Germain appeared in 1905: the Germain 14/22hp Chainless, so called because it had a live axle instead of chain drive. A fine Germain 22hp six with ball-bearing crankshaft was listed for 1907. The new Germain cars for 1912 included a 20hp with a Knight double-sleeve-valve engine, and a most exciting Germain 15hp with a chain-driven overhead camshaft neatly enclosed. All had full pressure lubrication. World War 1 and occupation by the Germans stopped Germain car production, which was never resumed.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; TRN

The information is written with the greatest of care. However, if you have any suggested amendments please contact us at office@prewarcar.com