Paul Vallée: iconic scooters and microcars

Paul Vallée's first models: the S.149

Paul Vallée was a wealthy industrialist with a complex and interesting personality. He had the ability to predict new ideas before others did, but did not always manage to put these ideas into practice. He ran a successful transport company, married into wealth and opened a mechanical workshop called S.I.C.R.A.F. (Société Industrielle de Constructions et de Réparation des Automobiles Françaises). He also founded the successful Grand Prix team Écurie France, which brought in the magnificent Talbot-Lago T26 race cars driven by legendary drivers such as Louis Chiron. However, Vallée did not see the Grand Prix team as an end in itself, but as a way to promote his other businesses, including scooters.
Vallée had estimated early on the massive potential for a scooter in the post-war reconstruction period, but the idea was quickly overtaken by Vespa and Lambretta, who developed the idea much further.
In 1949, Paul Vallée's first scooter was presented at the Paris Salon: the S.149. This scooter was equipped with a 125cc Aubier-Dunne engine and had a 3-speed gearbox. The model bore a resemblance to the Lambretta B, which was hugely popular at the time. The design was progressive, with an emphasis on functionality and ease of use. In 1952, the model was presented with a Ydral 125 engine and a 4-speed gearbox, which improved the scooter both technically and aesthetically. in 1954, the BO54 was introduced with Ydral engine 125 in grand tourisme and 175cc in grand sport version. The BO54 had a totally different style and only 1 survivor of this is known.

The Evolution towards three-wheeled utilitarian

In the years that followed, the Paul Vallée scooter evolved into a three-wheeled utility version, ideal for commercial use. This new variant had great success with entrepreneurs looking for a practical vehicle for delivery and transportation of goods. Its three-wheeled design made it ideal for urban environments and was a useful solution in an era of limited mobility.

The Chantecler: microcar with charm

Besides scooters, SICRAF introduced the Chantecler in 1952, a charming microcar that later went into production in 1956. The Chantecler was not produced in large quantities; only about 200 examples saw the light of day. Nevertheless, these microcars became highly sought-after, and a good one can change hands for considerable sums today. The design was compact and stylish, with great attention to detail, making the model a coveted object among classic vehicle collectors.

The end of an era

Paul Vallée, died unexpectedly on 3 April 1957. This tragic loss marked the end of an important chapter in the French scooter and microcar industry. After his death, production of SICRAF vehicles stopped, and the brand disappeared from the scene. Despite their limited production time, Paul Vallée and SICRAF scooters and microcars are still highly sought after by collectors for their innovation, style and historical significance.