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 Koehler Escoffier - 500 Champion of France / Marcel Chateau
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Koehler Escoffier Champion of France / Marcel Chateau motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
1607

Capacity : 500
Model : Champion of France / Marcel Chateau
Production : 1930 -
Category : (R) Racing

KŒHLER-ESCOFFIER

500 Grand Prix - 1930

Champion of France, 1930

Born in 1912 from the association of a rich rider and a talented mechanic, the Lyon firm of Kœhler-Escoffier won immediate sporting glory with an ohv 500cc V-twin. The premature loss of its founders involved the marque in persistent financial problems and frequent changes of management.

Raymond Guiguet Takes Control

In 1927, the engineer Raymond Guiguet was in sole command of Kœhler-Escoffier. He developed the V twin as far as the rigidity of the bottom end would permit: the "Sport" developed as much as 27 hp in racing tune. Guiguet then designed the overhead-cam single-cylinder K50, though it proved neither faster nor more reliable than the twin. The company's old machine tools were worn out and, lacking cash, Guiguet had to economize on the use of roller and needle bearings.

A Lucky Takeover for Kœhler-Escoffier

In 1929, the regulations for the championship of France changed: now only motorcycles of entirely French manufacture were eligible to compete. Monet-Goyon, which used English Villiers or Swiss MAG engines, solved the problem by taking over Koehler-Escoffier and consequently the services of Guiguet. With accurate machine tools and adequate finances, he developed two Grand Prix engines out of the K50. They had roller and needle bearings everywhere, special crankshafts made of the finest steels, dry-sump lubrication and a single-port head. From then on, performances were up to expectations and Marcel Chateau became champion of France for 1930 with the motorcycle shown here.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 499cc (79xl00mm) inclined single-cylinder four-stroke; dry-sump lubrication

Power Rating: 30 hp @ 5800 rpm

Valves: overhead camshaft; hairpin valve springs

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 3-speed "Macérienne" gearbox

Suspension: telescopic fork (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 3.00x21 inch (front & rear)

Maximum Speed: 100 mph

This is the actual machine which won the 1930 Championship of France: it used a rocking-pedal "Macérienne" gearbox.




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.