1935 Magnat-Debon 748cc VMA 750 v-twin
Registration no. 5152 VG 61
Frame no. 198868
Magnat-Debon were founded in Lyon in 1906 and their Grenoble factory was acquired by the famous Terrot concern in Dijon from 1923 onwards. At first Terrot took the trouble to keep Magnat-Debon as a distinctive make with its own identity, retaining its excellent reputation, even to the extent of encouraging different designs and types of engine which maintained the distinction between the two. Terrot benefited from Magnat-Debon's dealer network and faithful clientele while Magnat-Debon followed the well-known Terrot build quality, which meant that both makes survived the depression, finally ceasing production in the early '60s.
By January 1935, when the VMA 750 was made, the two firms were much closer in design, with this powerful machine being marketed as both the Terrot VA and the Magnat-Debon VMA. A side-valve v-twin of 70mm x 97mm bore and stroke with a four-speed gearbox, the VMA was a compact and extremely good-looking, large-capacity range-leader aimed at a wealthy and enthusiastic clientele who preferred to motor-cycle rather than drive a car.
This example has, as can be seen, received a high-quality restoration to the original specification in black, red and chrome, retaining such period-correct items as the metal panniers and the distinctively-badged cast silencer. This rare and prestigious French motorcycle is offered with a Carte-Grise.
Footnotes
Saleroom notices
- La machine est vendue avec son certificate d'immatriculation, mais pas la carte grise comme indiquee au catalogue.
The machine is offered with a Certificat d'immatriculation, not a Carte Grise as stated in the catalogue.