Private company
Lafitte was a French automobile manufactured in Paris from 1923–1928. The 'SA de Construction de Voiturettes Th. Lafitte', owned by Theodore Laffitte, manufactured a light cyclecar which was renowned for its innovative engineering.2 It is headquartered in Gennevilliers.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated Oct 21, 2026.
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Lafitte was a French automobile manufactured in Paris from 1923–1928. The 'SA de Construction de Voiturettes Th. Lafitte', owned by Theodore Laffitte, manufactured a light cyclecar which was renowned for its innovative engineering. It incorporated a three-cylinder radial engine mounted in a hinged cage, which was tilted by the driver to engage and vary the ratio of the friction drive to the rear wheels. Uniquely, the 'variable ratio' friction drive consisted of a convex steel flywheel and a concave 'clutch plate' that was faced by wound strips of paper or sometimes leather.2
Lafitte began constructing automobiles in Paris in 1923 on The Quai. In 1926 they started using the manufacturing facility in Courbevoie, of the defunct Doriot, Flandrin & Parant. In 1928 it ceased production.
From Wikipedia’s article on Lafitte (automobile), shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3
The Lafitte was an unconventional car. It was powered by 22 hp 3 cylinder radial engine of 736cc capacity, which was enlarged to 895cc in 1928, its final year. The engine was mounted in a hinged cage, which was tilted by the driver to engage and vary the ratio of the friction drive to the rear wheels. Uniquely, the 'variable ratio' friction drive consisted of a convex steel flywheel and a concave 'clutch plate' that was faced by wound strips of paper or sometimes leather. The new price in England was 100 pounds sterling.
In 1928, a sports version with a 25 hp, 895cc engine topped the range. The maximum speed was quoted as 96 kilometres per hour (60 mph).
From Wikipedia’s article on Lafitte (automobile), shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3
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