Félix Théodore Millet, 1844-1929
Born in Ivoy-le-Pré, France
In 1887 Millet built a tricycle powered by a five cylinder radial (rotary) petrol engine built into the sprung front wheel. In 1893 he built a version with the engine in the rear wheel of a bicycle, creating the first multi-cylinder motorcycle.
The cylinders rotated around a fixed axle. Electric ignition, with the spark provided by a Bunsen cell, invented in 1841. In 1897, he produced, probably in the workshop of Alexandre Darracq, financed by Hippolyte Fontaine.
This revolutionary engine was remarkable in every details at the time. Mudguard with incorporated tank, clutch with rotary handle, controlled valves, front / rear oscillating suspension, electric ignition which spark is provided by a Bunsen cell, invented in 1841. In 1897, he produced, probably in the workshop of Alexandre Darracq Suresnes (currently in Hauts-de-Seine), a motorcycle, a copy is at the Hippolyte Fontaine school, the oldest authentic motorised two wheels currently existing.
Hippolyte Fontaine, who was also part of the Arts and Crafts fraternity, financed the construction of the Félix Millet's motorcycles.
comparing it to his motorcycle, I think it's obvious he was a mechanical genius, and trying to make a motorcycle with the 5 cylinder radial engine
Unfortunately, following his participation in the Paris-Bordeaux-Paris race where he failed to get past Orléans, no more was ever heard of dear Félix Théodore Millet.
The 1920's German-built Megola also used a rotary engine mounted inside the front wheel.
ReplyDeleteHey! There you are! I haven't heard from you in a while!
DeleteYes, I've posted a few Megola, intriguing design! https://justacarguy.blogspot.com/search/label/Megola