Pierre DUMONT (1920–1987) - Lot 443

Lot n° 443
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Pierre DUMONT (1920–1987) - Lot 443
Pierre DUMONT (1920–1987) G.N., alias Salmson, 1921 Gouache on card stock 22.5 x 49.5 cm (traces of moisture, mold, and soiling) Notes: “Godfrey (G) and Nash (N) produced their first quadricycle in 1910, and in 1920, Salmson obtained a license to manufacture it in France. Our illustration depicts a model of the French version. The first G.N. models had a chassis with wooden side members. For later models, quarter-elliptical springs were used for the front and rear suspensions. Since anything that’s removed weighs nothing, the G.N. Spartan had an exceptional power-to-weight ratio that earned it success in competition. The air-cooled 1,060 cm (84 x 98 mm) V-twin engine transmitted its power to the rear wheels via a wonderfully efficient system of chains, sprockets, and dog clutches. Since there were a total of three chains and three sprockets on the rigid Pessieu frame, the chain guard shown in this drawing is difficult to explain. The “Vitesse” version shown here had an overhead-valve engine with pushrods, tappets, and rocker arms exposed to the open air. The rider must have been right in his element, as the steering was very direct. There were brakes only on the rear wheels, and the engine had to be periodically lubricated using a hand pump. With its very narrow tires and its sideways movement, the G.N. was quite uncomfortable when confronted with tram tracks.” Bibliography: P. DUMONT, *Aux Temps Des Automobilistes*, Lazarus Publishing, 1965; our gouache reproduction appears on p. 87.
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