You'd need to be an exceptionally knowledgeable historian to recognise the car above, or even its name. I've certainly never heard of a Gobron-Billie but then I'm merely a partly-knowledgeable semi-historian. The obscurity of the marque coupled with its sensational appearance should, however, guarantee it will bring a high price at RM's Amelia Island auction on March 13, 2010.
The actual name of this model type is "Skiff Tourer" and that, at least, is something I do understand inasmuch I have experience in boating, where a "skiff" is a type of wooden boat that can be adapted to oars, sails, or motors. And yes, they're also made from fiberglass and aluminum but for the purposes of our story wood is the relevant material. Historian Frederick Usher (the real thing) traces the concept to coachbuilder Jean-Henri Labourdette who, in 1912, was approached by the Chevalier René de Knyff, a director of Panhard et Levassor and a prominent sportsman. De Knyff desired an auto body that would be a “light but comfortable torpedo offering the least wind resistance.” Labourdette studied motor boat hull design, then laid up a body of three layers of mahogany on an ash frame. When weighed with body, windscreen, fenders and fittings it measured a mere 400 pounds. (Note the dual rear wheels, below.)
Gobron-Brillié was among the French pioneers of the motor industry. Gustav Gobron and Eugene Brillié formed Societé des Moteurs Gobron-Brillié at Paris in 1898. Gobron had achieved fame by escaping by balloon from Paris during the Prussian War. Brillié, an engineer, had developed a novel engine using opposed pistons. Although Brillié left the company in 1903, his engines continued to be used until after World War I. The system is difficult to explain (or understand in my unmechanical mind) but if you click on this RM Auctions link you'll get an explanation plus a remarkably complete history of the vehicle and its makers. The 1901 catalog claimed a Gobron-Brillié would “perform with equal felicity on whiskey, brandy or gin.” Which also describes a few of my friends.
Our subject car was reported to have been exhibited and sold at the 1913 Paris Salon. Various upgrades were made around 1920, when it was modified with new fenders and side storage boxes and a spare wheel was added to the near side. A folding windscreen was also fitted where the car originally had none. After being used a few years, it was put on display in the entryway of one of the large chocolatiers, a matter of tradition according to RMs catalog. Now wait a minute! There's a tradition that says a rare used car had to be left at a chocolate makers? If that's true I'm heading for my local Godiva shop right now!
Apparently this Gobron-Brillié Skiff Tourer went through the hands of various owners and restorers, making its first North American appearance at Pebble Beach in 2005, where it won a special class for skiff-bodied cars. Its present engine, sourced from the late Lord Montagu, has been completely rebuilt once more by Zakira’s Garage in Cincinnati. No word on whether the winning bidder gets a box of delicious Belgian Chocolates as a special reward.
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