Metallurgique

Long established as locomotive and rolling-stock manufacturers, Metallurgique built their first prototypes in 1898 and opened a car factory at Marchienne-au-Pont in 1900. Chain drive gave way to shaft in 1902, and in 1903 ex-Mercedes designer Ernst Lehmann became chief designer.

He produced a range of advanced design in 1905: these were Mercedes-like cars with pressed-steel chassis, high-tension ignition and the option of an electric lighting dynamo. A 10-litre 60/80 hp sports model was added in 1906, and in 1907 a handsome vee-radiator became a distinctive feature of the marque. The last two-cylinder Metallurgique appeared in 1908, and was replaced by a 12/14hp four built in Germany by Bergmann.

Big four-cylinder luxury cars like the 26/60 and the sporting 38/90 were Metallurgique's forte in Edwardian days: the 5 litre 26/60 continued after the war, with the addition of Adex four-wheel-brakes, along with the l5/20 hp and 20/40 hp, thanks to Metallurgique's skill in concealing their jigs and spares from the occupying German forces. The 15 hp was dropped in 1922, and succeeded by a new 1882cc 12 hp with pushrod ohv, designed by Paul Bastien.

Imperia-Excelsior took over in 1929 and killed off Metallurgique: Bastien joined Stutz in America.

(Vintage European Automobiles)