Descrizione
Unic was founded in 1905 by George Richard, after his partnership in Richard-Brasier ended (Richard-Brasier won the Gordon Bennett cup in 1904 and 1905). Richard managed to get funding for his new venture from Baron Henri de Rothchild, and having done so he set up premises in Puteaux.
The name ‘Unic’ came from the firms desire to make ‘unique’ cars rather than mundane mainstream products although despite this lofty ambition the company specialized in light cars and taxis in the early years with both 2 and 4 cylinder engines.
The company continued to make taxis for the next 3 decades and this exposure and steady income (helped by the Rothchild backing) allowed the company to build their range into small utility vehicles and vans. In the 1920s Unic entered the passenger car market with a 1997cc, 4 cylinder engine, some of which used sleeve valves. By the time of the 1924 Paris Motor Show the company had 3 models of passenger cars on their stand, all of which used the 4 cylinder engine and in later years the engine was enlarged to 3450cc and eventually an 8 cylinder engine was built in 1929.
The car we offer here is a 1924 Unic Type L3, with an attractive torpedo styled body. It uses the 2 litre, 4 cylinder engine and the body is in good condition as is the hood. The car drives well and makes for an excellent tourer with plenty of room in the back for passengers and children. An interesting and rare survivor of this French marque, that I am sure would be welcome at VSCC events.
