Automoto Frame?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Automoto Frame?
Is it true that you can never trust a frame by it’s lugs? I came across this and just wasn’t too sure. I’ve been on the look out for another Automoto for a while. I only assume due to me seeing a couple other Automotos out there with the same designed lugs at the head tube and seat cluster.
How does one know at all what frame they have when there’s so many that share the same design?
The frame looks to have been repainted? An odd faint silver covering it unless that’s from the flash.
Any guesses?
How does one know at all what frame they have when there’s so many that share the same design?
The frame looks to have been repainted? An odd faint silver covering it unless that’s from the flash.
Any guesses?
Last edited by Yelbom15; 01-08-23 at 10:06 PM.
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#3
vintage motor
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I don't think those lugs were specific to Automoto. Are there any other identifying marks? Looks pretty nice whatever it is.
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Automoto before and after pics.
The Clover lugs are the usual indicator,,but thats not always the case.
There is a French Website that can probably help you out .
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#6
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Need a head tube and badge image.
Guy
Redwood City CA
Guy
Redwood City CA
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#8
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Might be Oscar Egg lugs there, which I recall came on the top-of-line Automoto bikes from the 1950's, but I suspect that those bikes were contracted out as some were also branded as E. Christophe.
These pro-level bikes didn't use Automoto's signature cylindrical fork crown or their clover-pattern headlugs, either.
Here's one branded as E. Christophe:
These pro-level bikes didn't use Automoto's signature cylindrical fork crown or their clover-pattern headlugs, either.
Here's one branded as E. Christophe:
#9
Senior Member
Is it true that you can never trust a frame by it’s lugs? I came across this and just wasn’t too sure. I’ve been on the look out for another Automoto for a while. I only assume due to me seeing a couple other Automotos out there with the same designed lugs at the head tube and seat cluster.
How does one know at all what frame they have when there’s so many that share the same design?
The frame looks to have been repainted? An odd faint silver covering it unless that’s from the flash.
Any guesses?
How does one know at all what frame they have when there’s so many that share the same design?
The frame looks to have been repainted? An odd faint silver covering it unless that’s from the flash.
Any guesses?
#10
Strong Walker
Yep Automoto moved away from their clover leaf lugs and the barrel style fork crown roughly around the end of WW2, at least for the top line racing frames, I believe the utilitarian bikes kept them longer. Pre war Automotos are a bit complicated because it is hard to distinguish between a bike that was born as a racing frame, and a more lower end gents bike that has just lost the fenders, panniers and lighting... They all have huge wheel bases and clearance
As has been mentioned, the headbadge design can be used to date it, it changed frequently and is well documented. Here are mine:
As has been mentioned, the headbadge design can be used to date it, it changed frequently and is well documented. Here are mine:
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