André Py

André Py (fl. 1898–1900) was a French automobile designer and early manufacturer. He is known for designing a three-wheeled motorized voiturette in 1899, which was produced by the Compagnie des Automobiles du Sud-Ouest in Angoulême, France.^[1][2] Py’s lightweight car featured an unusual configuration with front-wheel drive and a rear-wheel steering system, an innovative but short-lived design.^[3]

André Py 3.5 CV Voiturette

André Py 3.5 CV Voiturette side view and top view (1899)

Early life

By the late 1890s, Py was active in the Charente region of southwestern France. He live in the city of Angoulême.^[4]

Cycling Career

In the 1890s, France’s vibrant cycling culture and industry provided the foundation for early automobile experimentation. By 1898, he had designed a small motor vehicle inspired by motorized tricycles and bicycle technology. That year, he prepared a prototype of a three-wheeled "voiturette" (a light horseless carriage) for public display. In December 1898, at the inaugural Paris Motor Show held at the Jardin des Tuileries, Py exhibited his front-wheel-drive motor tricycle to advertise his design.^[5] The vehicle attracted interest due to its unconventional layout, which was reminiscent of Léon Bollée’s famous three-wheeler but with key differences.^[2]

Following this debut, Py partnered with local investors to manufacture the car. He helped found the Compagnie des Automobiles du Sud-Ouest, based in Angoulême, in early 1899 to produce his vehicle commercially. Py assumed the role of designer and technical director. Production of the car - marketed simply as the "André Py" voiturette - began in 1899.^[1]

Milestones

• 1898 – Exhibited a prototype front-wheel-drive motor tricycle at the Paris Automobile Salon, one of the earliest front-wheel-drive cars shown to the public.^[5]
• 1899 – Established the Compagnie des Automobiles du Sud-Ouest in Angoulême and launched the André Py 3½ CV Voiturette for sale. The vehicle featured a single-cylinder 3.5 horsepower engine, three-speed transmission, and back-to-back seating for two passengers.^[3] It could reach approximately 30 km/h (19 mph) in top gear and was priced at 3,000 francs in 1899.^[6]
• 1900 – Production ceased after roughly two years. The company built only a small number of cars before closing in 1900.

See also

• Voiturette
• Léon Bollée
• Motorized tricycle