Fabrique Nationale
Herstal, Belgium.
Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre, commonly known as FN or FN Herstal, was founded in 1889 in Herstal, Belgium.
The company began as a consortium of Belgian manufacturers organized to produce 150,000 Mauser rifles for the Belgian government. Its early success in firearms manufacturing established it as one of Europe’s most advanced industrial workshops.
Late 1800s – Early 1900s: Firearms and the First Vehicles
By the 1890s, FN expanded into manufacturing bicycles, applying its precision engineering skills to the growing personal-transportation industry. This soon evolved into producing motorcycles (beginning in 1901) and eventually automobiles.
FN’s early motorcycles were known for being among the first mass-produced four-cylinder motorcycles in the world (1905).
The company also began producing cars around 1899, with elegant early touring models appearing in the first decades of the 20th century.
Interwar Period (1920s–1930s): FN Automobiles
FN developed a respected range of cars—well-constructed, reliable, and often beautifully styled. Models such as the FN 10 CV, 11 CV, and 1300 S were known for refinement and good engineering. However, after the economic pressure of the Great Depression and increasing competition, FN stopped building automobiles in 1935, refocusing on motorcycles and weapons manufacturing.
Post-War and Late 20th Century
After WWII, FN’s automobile branch never returned, but its firearms and defense products expanded dramatically. FN became known globally for iconic weapons such as the Browning Hi-Power pistol, the FN FAL battle rifle (adopted by more than 90 countries), the Minimi / M249 light machine gun and the P90 personal defense weapon.
The motorcycle division continued until the mid-1960s, after which FN focused solely on defense, law-enforcement, and industrial manufacturing.
FN Herstal remains one of the world’s most respected defense manufacturers, supplying firearms and technology to NATO forces, militaries, and police worldwide. It operates alongside two subsidiaries: FN America (USA) and FNH UK (United Kingdom).
The three vehicles showcased below were photographed at Autoworld in Belgium.
1930 FN (Fabrique Nationale) 1400 S Sport Course.
This 1400 S started its career as a sporty two-seater, and might also have competed in the 24 Hours of Francorchamps in 1930.
It was then fitted with a 4-seater Torpedo coachwork. However, Ghislain Mahy had the car restored to its original state, with an oil cooler integrated in the radiator, an aluminum bonnet and a streamlined two-part windscreen. (source: Autoworld)
1930 FN (Fabrique Nationale) 1400 S.
Unique wood/aluminium coachwork, handmade by the Lorenz/Walch coachbuilders based in Liège.
Both internally and externally richly decorated, with even some components silver plated. This car was built for a Shah on special order, but was never paid and as such was never delivered. The car was finally acquired by a wealthy person from Liège. (source: Autoworld).
1901 FN (Fabrique Nationale) Type 4CV
The first four-wheel FN, designed by De Cosmo in 1899. Tonneau coachwork, with curved wooden flanks and small rear door. The transversal engine is fitted in the front. The starting handle needed to be slotted through the right front wheel. The accelerator and gears are on the steering wheel. The inclined steering column reveals it to be one of the later models. Near on one hundred models were built between 1900-1901. Not bad for that era! (source: Autoworld).
Additional information from Autoworld.
The Fabrique Nationale (FN), today the Herstal Group, produced bicycles and motor-powered vehicles with 2, 3 and 4 wheels which made the reputation of Belgian cars and motorcycles for 65 years, from 1901 to 1935 for cars and from 1901 to 1965 for motorcycles and other vehicles.
Known as the ‘Demoiselles de Herstal’ (young ladies of Herstal), together with Gilet and Sarolèa, FN motorcycles were among the winners of numerous competitions in Belgium, Europe and further afield in all disciplines, and in doing so beat 81 world speed records
In 1905 FN made motorcycle history by producing the world’s first motorcycle with a 4-cylinder engine.
For a quarter of a century FN’s luxury cars were the choice of European royal families and FN sportscars won the Coupe du Roi at the 24 hours of Francorchamps three times, in 1925, 1926 and 1932.
FN ‘special vehicles’ included trolleybuses, lorries and vans as well as armored cars with both 2 and 4-wheel drive. These were used by numerous public and private organisations and the armies of several countries including Belgium. The production of engines for civil and military aircraft continued until 1990.
The Herstal Group is today a leader in small arms manufacture, in game and sport shooting with Browning, and in defence with FN Herstal. FN is proud to have contributed for many years to the development of mobility in Europe.