F.N.

Belgium, 1899 – 1935

Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre, Liège

The F.N. was Belgium’s longest-lived make an was made in greater numbers than any other Belgian car, even at the bginning of its career. In 1900, 100 examples of a 2-cylinder FN voiturette with a water-cooled (originally air-cooled) 3½hp engine were made. The FN had two forward speeds, with belt primary and chain final drive. This little FN car was well-made on conservative, well-tried lines, typical of FN cars throughout their history. In 1906, FN changed over from chain drive to a live axle. By 1909, car production was running at three or four FN cars a day, rising to five by 1914. The FN 8/10hp of that year was a modern light car with a 60x110mm, 4-cylinder, side-valve 2345cc engine. It was continued after World War 1 as the ‘FN 1250’, and developed in 1923 into the famous ‘FN 1300’, with a bigger bore providing the cubic capacity implied. This FN car also had push-rod overhead valves, unit construction of engine and gearbox, and front wheel brakes. The open FN four-seater had light and elegant lines. With the bore again enlarged, the ‘FN 1300’ became the ‘FN 1400’, with four forward speeds for the first time. A twin-carburettor FN sports model was also offered. The ‘FN 1400’ became the ‘FN 1625’, which was listed until 1933. The 1300 F.N. and its successor were very successful in competitions, with a third place in General Classification in the 1925 Monte Carlo Rally, class wins in the Spa 24 Hours race in 1925, 1926 and 1933 and a Coupe des Alpes for the FN works team of ‘FN 1625s’ in the 1931 Alpine Trial. In 1928, the 1300 FN had become the first normal wheeled vehicle to cross Africa from north to south. Although the small FN cars were always the best known, larger FN cars were made up to the ‘FN 3800’ luxury chassis of 1920. A straight-8 3.2-litre FN model was current from 1930 to 1935, in conformity with fashion. The last small FN vanished with the ‘FN 1625’ which was replaced by the new 2-litre Baudouin. This was now accompanied by the bigger FN Prince Albert model. Production ceased in 1935, though FN motorcycles and FN trucks have been made since World War 2.  

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; TRN
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