c.1920 Automoto 148cc
Registration no. PP 7958
Frame no. 50846
Engine no. A811598

According to Tragatsch, the French Automoto of pre-1939 days was 'a typical "farmers machine" of great durability'. Founded in 1901, the Paris-based firm was later absorbed by Peugeot and ceased to exist in 1962. This rare French lightweight had been laid up for many years in a barn in France, sidelined by a broken bolt in the front fork, when it was purchased in 1973 by Mike Carter: enthusiast, entrepreneur, and publisher of 'Penny Wise Motoring'. Registered as 'PP 7958', the Automoto was acquired by the current vendor soon afterwards, and its magneto overhauled (see letter on file). Repainted in its original livery, the machine is described by the vendor as in generally good condition, and comes with a V5C. Leg shields and pillion footrests, fitted while it was in France, are the only notified deviations from factory specification.