La Nef

Classic La Nef

Lacrois et de Laville, Agen, Lot-et-Garonne, France
This was the best known of three unconventional 3-wheelers made in Agen at about the same time. Joseph Lacroix (1861-1940) built his prototype La Nef in 1898. Like the later production models it had a wooden frame consisting of two long pieces of ash that curved upwards and inwards towards the front, like the prow of a boat, to form the steering pivot point for the single front wheel. When stood on end it looked like a gothic arch, which possibly gave rise to the name, as "nef" is French for a nave, although an older meaning of "nef" is ship, which also fits well with the shape of the front of the car. The prototype was powered by a 2 1/4hp De Dion Bouton engine, and as larger engines of 6 and 8hp became available these were fitted. Transmission was direct by belt to the rear axle, though most surviving La Nefs have a 2-speed Bozier epicyclic "gearbox" which gave the action of a clutch. Steering was by means of a tubular steel tiller about 5feet long, and a La Nef could be had with 2 or 4 seater coachwork.
The design seems to have changed very little, and although it was archaic by 1914, the cars no doubt served their purposes for the mostly local customers who bought them. Production was aboiut 200, an average of 14-15 per year, though probably more were made in the 1905-1910 period. At least three replicas were made in the 1960's, "to use up the spare 8hp De Dion-Bouton engines I had about the place",said their builder Jackie Pichon. It is possible that production did not start until after 1903, as they are not listed as "constructeurs" in the 1903 Michelin Guide. It is a shadowy make and although there are a surprising number of survivors, not all may be genuine. As historian Malcolm Jeal said "They are such a simple machine that anybody could make them".
After ending car production, the versatile Lacroix invented an improved cinematic projection system, followed by medical work which included locating shrapnel fragments in wounded soldiers, and analysis of blood. In his retirement he made electric clocks and carillons.