A Brief History of the Marque
Manufactured: Ravat 1923-1954, Mercier 1954-
The Wonder cycle marque was established by Jules Ravat in 1906, and trademarked in March 1910, along with the brand name Sweet.
A prototype motorcycle was built in 1922, and production began in 1924 and continued at a furious pace until the clouds of war engulfed the nation in 1938.
The range of models offered through those years was quite remarkable - 1928 alone saw 20 new models released.
Wonder was acquired by Mercier in 1954 when it bought the parent company Ravat. The group which bought Ravat consisted of Talbot, Automoto, Hurtu, René Gillet and Mercier.
Mercier's Wonder motorcycle was all but identical to a number of other brands marketed at the time by Mercier including Antonin Magne, Lapébie, Louison Bobet and André Leducq, all powered by Ydral 125cc engines.
Models include:
1923-1924 Wonder, Massardier 125cc engine
1933-1939 Type A35 98cc
c1953 Wonder Type B48 (Ravat A48)
1954 Type 154 125cc 3 speed engine
1955 Types 136 & 136GS
Type 254 175cc
1955 R36 - R36SL
Ravat-Wonder Equivalents
Ravat A35 | Wonder B35
Ravat A37 | Wonder B37
Ravat A37 Hl | Wonder B 37hl
Ravat A47 | Wonder B47
Ravat A48 | Wonder B 48
Ravat 53 | Wonder 53
Ravat 54 | Wonder 54
Ravat 154 | Wonder 154
Ravat 254 | Wonder 254
Ravat 146 | Wonder 146
246 Ravat | Wonder 246
Ravat A | Wonder B model 100 Villiers engine
Ravat 26 | Wonder 26
Ravat 126 | Wonder 126
Ravat 136 | Wonder 136
Ravat 36 | Wonder 36
Ravat Vry | Wonder Wry
Sources: Club Ydral, Didier Mahistre
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