1954 AUTOMOTO 250 CHL
1954 Automoto 250 CHL
“Automoto” was the trademark of the Industrielle du Centre, founded in St. Etienne in 1901. Automoto was taken over by Peugeot in 1930 but retained a degree of autonomy.
Continuing Independence
This independence still existed in the 1954 range, especially since certain models had been borrowed from Monet-Goyon, which was controlled by the Automoto-Peugeot Group! The company’s autocycles were powered by Marquet, Motobloc or Vap engines. Its lightweights had Peugeot 125, Villiers 100 and 125 or AMC 125cc power units. Its larger bikes were powered by Villiers 200 and AMC 175 and 250cc units. Without fuss and without great sporting achievements, Automoto had nevertheless become a major company in the French motorcycle industry.
New Power Unit
The French motorcycle market had become firmly entrenched in the lightweight sector of machines under 175cc. But it welcomed, as best it knew how, the appearance, at the 1952 Paris Salon, of a new unit-constructed AMC 250cc engine “which,” trumpeted the specialist press, “symbolizes the revival of our industry.” This engine, which came on the market during 1953, enabled medium-sized firms to offer enthusiasts a larger displacement in their flagship models. That was the case with Automoto, which in 1954 revealed the 250 CHL “super-luxury grand touring motorcycle.” With a black enamel finish and chrome accents, it was a classic design, with a double- cradle frame, dual seat and up-to-date suspension. All it lacked was a dash of personality!
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 249cc (68.5×68mm) air-cooled unit- constructed single-cylinder four-stroke
Power Rating: 15 hp @ 6000 rpm
Valves: chain-driven overhead-camshaft
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm (rear)
Brakes: drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 3.25×19 inch (front & rear)
Weight: 287 lb
Maximum Speed: 77 mph
Even though it was basically a touring machine, the 250 Automoto ridden by Pahin (senior member of the Peugeot works team) and Rancon won the 250cc class in the 1955 Bol d’Or.
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