Lot 719: 1918 Rocket-Schneider Type 15000 Saloon
Coachwork by Allignol

Based at Chemin-Feuillat in Lyon, Rochet-Schneider was one of Les Grands Marques of the Edwardian period in France. The firm was so called because it was initially run by the Rochets, father and son, together with Théophile Schneider, a member of the eponymous armaments manufacturing family. Originally bicycle manufacturers, Société Anonyme des Établissements Rochet-Schneider built its first automobile in 1894 and in 1901 at the Paris Salon exhibited two cars of Panhard configuration. However, by this time the most advanced type of car was the German Mercedes, so for 1903 the Lyonnaise cars were redesigned along Mercedes lines. From the introduction of that year’s 20/22hp model, Rochet-Schneider’s reputation as the builder of strong, fast cars grew rapidly. The issue of The Autocar for 11th April 1903 reported that Rochet-Schneiders had finished first and second at Nice, ‘over some of the most difficult roads it was possible to select...’ and then won an ACF 100-miles non-stop certificate.
Despite having risen to become one of the most respected motor manufacturers in France, the company was sold in 1904 and ‘Rochet-Schneider Ltd’ set up in London. This successor company would ultimately prove a failure and in 1907 went into liquidation. At this point Théophile Schneider returned to reclaim the company bearing his name, setting up a subsidiary, ‘Carburateurs Zenith’, soon afterwards. Under Schneider’s direction the firm returned to producing high quality cars and commercial vehicles, concentrating exclusively on the latter from 1932. In 1951 Rochet-Schneider was bought by erstwhile rivals Berliet.
Powered by a 2.6-litre, four-cylinder, sidevalve engine, the Type 15000 model, built between 1919 and 1922, was essentially a pre-war design, although distinguished by a new ‘V’-shaped radiator. One of a mere 545 examples produced, this example is believed to have been delivered new to the Mayor of Lyons. The car resided on the Continent until the 1960s when it was bought by prominent Vintage Sports Car Club member George Stanton, who used it regularly on VSCC events. Purchased by the vendor in 1988, it underwent full restoration ten years later, while retaining the original interior, and since completion has seen regular use on local events. Right-hand drive, like all pre-war French cars of quality, the vehicle is offered with restoration invoices, current road fund licence, MoT to June 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document.