A Brief History of the Marque
Made in France from c1910 to 1955*
Gentil et Cie
88 avenue Félix-Faure
Nanterre (Seine)
A. Thomann et Cie was founded as a bicycle manufacturer in 1908 by the brothers Alphonse and Jean Thomann, in Suresnes. Following a disagreement between the brothers, the company was disolved in October 1911 and subsequently sold to Edmond Gentil who continued to use the Thomann name. In 1919 it became part of the Alcyon group, and the Thomann marque survived for several decades.
Jean Thomann formed a new company in 1920, and the two are distinguished by their logos - the Thomann features elephants in the logo, Jean Thomann features a gorilla.
The issue is further complicated; Alphonse began a new bicycle factory in 1923 named Alphonse Thomann & Cie before legal action brought a halt to this.
Some Thomann models had AMC engines, and others had Zurcher.
They also built 100cc BMA machines which were much cheaper to run as there was no registration fee, and later 50cc VAP-powered cyclomoteurs.
After the acquisition by Alcyon motorcycles were still built under the Thomann marque, but Thomann, Alcyon, La Francaise, Diamond and others were frequently the same motorcycle with different brand names.
Moteur 175 cm3 monocylindre 2 temps
Allumage par magnéto
Vilebrequin en porte-à-faux
Volant extérieur
Pneus à talon
Transmission à courroie
Réservoir entre tubes
Frein à main et à pied sur poulie-jante
French text: Thomas Bersy
175cc single cylinder two-stroke engine with magneto ignition and external flywheel
Belt drive
Tank mounted between upper and lower frame tubes
Dummy-rim brakes front and rear.
Models include:
Les Courses Motos en France
A 250cc Thomann placed 2nd in a race at Fontainebleau, 28th June 1914, and another 250 won at Le Mans in August 1920. A 250 placed 2nd at Strasbourg in July 1922, and a 100cc model 3rd in May 1923. 1st place for a 175 in June 1924, and another 1st for a 250 in July the same year. Thomann gained a mention in 1925, three in 1926, four in 1927 and two more in 1928.
Sources: JLB Creations, Cyclememory.org, amicidellemotobicisottocanna.blogspot.com, racingmemo.free.fr
Mon, 02 Apr 2018
stevelightmotors at gmail.com
Thomann 250cc 1925
Hi. Just looking at the Thomann which has stood idle for far to long now in our collection. Frame No 605 - Engine No 7755. Any info on the 250cc or interested parties in this bike would be appreciated. Steve Light
United Kingdom
Fri Oct 07 2016
landgrafmario at gmail.com
Thomann 350sv
Hi, i have a Thomann from 1929 in (original Condition)
But i need some Info's about this nice Bike
Switzerland
Sun Jul 06 2014
colrockley at me.com
Thomann VAP4 moped proof of age.
I have just had an application for an age related plate, (currently on a Q), rejected. Its on a Thomann 48cc VAP4 engined moped that the NACC has dated from the engine number as 1952. I have been asked for original factory records, (!), or a Glass's guide extract to confirm the age. There is virtually no evidence of this bike existing let alone the proof they are asking for. The bike seems to have been produced for one year then rebranded to 'Alcyon'. Again there is virtually no reference to this either. Can anyone help provide the relative information, it's been 8 weeks since I sent the application off and then to have it return unsuccessful is frustrating. Has anyone else had this problem? The DVLA website hasn't been updated but the letter says due to recent changes the DVLA aren't now taking club ageing certificates as proof of date of manufacture. Cheers
Preston
Dec 4th 2012
I have acquired a 250cc two-stroke Thomann, titles as a 1927.
Runs well, and was restored in orange and grey. Has a typical 20's
French tiny generator and lights. Brakes on rear only, but it is
not so fast anyway.
--Oregon John
From the French
Motorcycle Forum
Wed Jan 19 2011
rival17<at>hotmaildot com
Thomann CS 500
Fully restored.
What is value?
Canada
Fri Apr 13 2007
eu at emanuelbarbosadot com
Mistery 1920's motorcycle
Unknown
Hello, I own a 1910/1920's motorcycle but I don't know the brand. I
was told that it was an AUTOMOTO 175cc but I'm not sure. Can you please
help me to identify it? Thanks!
Porto, Portugal
.........
Yes, I got some emails about it, it seems it is a Thomann
........
Hello, I own a 1920's Thomann that I intend to restore. If someone
can help me with pictures, parts, etc. I will be very thankful.
If you have a query about Thomann motorcycles please contact us
