Clément ca1903 1¾ HP 143cc 1 cyl OHV 3409

Clément 1903 ca 1 ¾ HP 143 cc OHV Autocyclette frame # 18463 engine # LM 1815

Clément is one of the true French motorcycle pioneers and this particular model was produced around 1903. The big outside flywheel acts as a pulley for the direct round rubber belt transmission to the rear wheel. The seat tube is fitted with an adjustable belt tensioner. A spray carburettor takes care of the correct mixture and there is a throttle valve in the intake tube. Ignition is by trembler coil and battery, neatly positioned in a leather case. The brass tank behind the saddle has two filler openings, one for petrol and one for oil. In the tank there is a handpump for forcing the oil to the crankcase. There’s one brake on board, a “Forward Patent” rim brake on the rear wheel. In the early 1900s many of these machines were in use, some sold as a complete fitting into a bicycle, others as engine sets that could convert one’s bicycle into a motorized vehicle without much ado. This unrestored and authentic Clément is presented in a very clean and well- fettled condition and comes with “Lohmann’s Perfecta” acetylene head lamp and bulb horn. A standard Clément engine has an automatic intake valve and an overhead exhaust valve.

This engine however, has been cleverly converted: the intake valve is also mechanically operated. Also, the inlet and exhaust tubes have a larger diameter than the standard engine has. The conversion has been done in a very professional way, but up to now we’ve never seen another such engine and we would welcome documentation about it!