Leon Bollee Automobiles
Leon Bollee Automobiles
Automobiles Leon Bollee
Le Mans, France
Leon Bollee was born in 1870 in Le Mans, France. His father, Amedee Bollee, was mechanically skilled and had built a steam car in 1873. Like father, like son, Leon began to build his own automobile using a internal combustion engine instead of steam. The result was a tandem two-seater with a detachable front seat. The single-cylinder engine was located behind the driver and drove the single rear wheel using a belt drive. The two front wheels were used for steering. French patent records indicate Bollee registered the final specifications for his voiturette in 1895.
Bollee entered one of his voiturettes in the 106 mile 1897 Paris-Dieppe race. Other entries included Panhard et Levassor, Peugeot, Mors, Delahaye, and De Dion-Bouton. Bollee's driver, Jamin, not only won the race, but at an average of 25.2 miles per hour posted the fastest race speed in history up to that time.
Leon Bollee continued to improve his vehicles successfully until 1933 when production ceased.
Specifications for the 1897 Voiturette pictured above:
Price: $605
Engine: Air-Cooled, 1-Cylinder, 2 hp, 49.8 cid
Bore/Stroke: 3-1/4" x 6"
Leon Bollee Picture Gallery - Click Photo For Larger Image
