Hi Dan,
The 1948 Automoto I'm lucky enough to own has classic relaxed vintage lightweight geometry. It remains a capable daily rider nicely comfortable on both pavement and paths, neither of which it sees much any longer. The steel construction and original chrome finish remain in good condition right down to the trademark clover insets on the well raked fork. The frame features bold lugs mated to thinwall tubes with fairly svelte seatstays. One might describe the ride as sanguine; not quite lively, certainly not passive.
This Automot has a Major Taylor-like adjustable stem and aluminum deep drop bars. Old Mafac aluminum brake levers lead to Universal Extra calipers that moderate how fast the Rigida Super Chromix rims roll with their front Automoto and rear Normandy hubs. Follow the Ideale Swallow Duralumin saddle down and you'll find an Automoto clover crank with one chainring, itself leading back to a Huret Tour de France three speed derailleur. An overall versatile package that appears mostly original.
Any other Automotorists around?
Best regards,
Eric Anschutz
San Francisco, CA