Terrot
Terrot was a French bicycle, motorcycle and scooter manufacturer based in Dijon.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Terrot was a French manufacturer best known for motorcycles, bicycles, mopeds and scooters produced from its Dijon works. The business originated in 1862, when Charles Terrot and Wilhelm Stücklen established a machinery factory in Cannstatt, then part of the Kingdom of Württemberg and now within Stuttgart, Germany. Terrot expanded its French presence by opening a branch factory in Dijon in 1887. The Dijon operation began manufacturing bicycles in 1890, creating the product and industrial base from which the company later developed into one of France's notable motorcycle makers. Terrot entered powered two-wheelers in 1902 with a motorcycle using a 2 bhp Zédel engine supplied from Switzerland. During the following decades it built motorcycles across a broad range of engine sizes, generally from approximately 173 cc to 498 cc. Depending on the period and model, engines came from specialist suppliers including MAG and Dufeaux of Switzerland, Chater-Lea and JAP of Britain, and Givaudan of Lyon. Terrot also developed its own engineering capability. Its first twin-cylinder motorcycle appeared in 1905, while the company began producing its own four-stroke engines in 1926. The company became closely connected with French military supply. From 1915 it supplied 500 cc motorcycles to the French Army. During the Second World War, its Dijon production included sidecar combinations for military use, including the GT range with engines from 350 cc to 750 cc and the DT range with engines from 500 cc to 750 cc. These contracts reinforced Terrot's role as an industrial manufacturer rather than merely a producer of sporting or recreational motorcycles. Terrot expanded its civilian range after the First World War. In 1921 it introduced the 175 cc Model L and 267 cc Model E two-strokes; the Model E subsequently evolved into the 250 cc Model F in 1925. Four-stroke production also grew during the 1920s, beginning with a 350 cc JAP-powered model from 1923 and extending to 500 cc machines from 1927. The company reached the production milestone of its 100,000th motorcycle in 1929. After the Great Depression, Terrot addressed demand for less expensive transport by introducing motorized bicycles. Competition and racing were important to the brand's technical profile. Terrot entered motorcycle racing in 1932 and achieved a notable triple French championship result, winning the 250 cc, 350 cc and 500 cc classes in that year. In the postwar period, however, the market shifted toward practical, lightweight transportation. Terrot introduced its first scooter, the VMS, in 1951, and during the 1950s concentrated increasingly on mopeds and lightweight motorcycles. Peugeot acquired Terrot in 1958. The new ownership did not preserve the Dijon factory as an independent manufacturing operation indefinitely: production at the former Terrot plant ended in 1961. Terrot is therefore a defunct historical motorcycle brand. Its surviving importance lies in the development of French powered two-wheelers, its long Dijon manufacturing history, its military supply work, its prewar racing achievements and the large number of bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds and scooters associated with the name.
History
Terrot's industrial history began in 1862, when Charles Terrot and Wilhelm Stücklen founded a machinery factory in Cannstatt, Germany. The enterprise later established a French branch in Dijon in 1887. The Dijon site added bicycle production in 1890, making the factory an early participant in the development of modern personal transport and providing manufacturing experience that would support Terrot's later motorcycle business. The first Terrot motorcycle was produced in Dijon in 1902. It used a small 2 bhp Zédel engine from Switzerland. Rather than relying on a single engine design, Terrot developed a varied product range using power units from several European suppliers, including MAG and Dufeaux in Switzerland, Chater-Lea and JAP in Britain, and Givaudan in France. The company produced motorcycles in capacities ranging approximately from 173 cc to 498 cc and introduced its first twin-cylinder model in 1905. Military contracts became a recurring part of the company's history. From 1915, Terrot supplied 500 cc motorcycles to the French Army. Following the First World War, it broadened its civilian range with two-stroke models, including the 175 cc Model L and 267 cc Model E in 1921. The latter was developed into the 250 cc Model F in 1925. Terrot also expanded four-stroke production: a 350 cc JAP-engined model appeared from 1923, 500 cc models followed from 1927, and the company began manufacturing its own four-stroke engines in 1926. Terrot's expansion was reflected in its production volume. In 1929 the company built its 100,000th motorcycle. The economic consequences of the Great Depression encouraged manufacturers to offer cheaper, simpler forms of powered transport, and Terrot responded with motorized bicycles. Racing provided another avenue for visibility and engineering development. In 1932 Terrot entered motorcycle competition and won the French championships in the 250 cc, 350 cc and 500 cc categories, a rare sweep across three classes. The Second World War redirected production toward military requirements. Terrot supplied sidecar combinations to the French Army, including GT models with engines ranging from 350 cc to 750 cc and DT models using engines from 500 cc to 750 cc. After the war, changing consumer needs favored economical two-wheelers. Terrot produced its first scooter, the VMS, in 1951, and during the 1950s placed greater emphasis on mopeds and lightweight motorcycles. Peugeot acquired Terrot in 1958. The acquisition occurred during a period in which established European motorcycle manufacturers faced intense pressure from changing transport preferences and competition in the small-vehicle market. Production at the former Terrot factory in Dijon ended in 1961. Terrot consequently survives as a historical French motorcycle marque rather than an active manufacturer. Its legacy encompasses bicycles, motorcycles, racing machines, military sidecars, mopeds and scooters, with the Dijon factory serving as the central location of its French manufacturing identity.
- 1961
Dijon production ends
[1]Production ended at the former Terrot factory in Dijon.
- 1958
Acquisition by Peugeot
[1]Peugeot took over Terrot.
- 1951
VMS scooter introduced
[1]Terrot entered the scooter market with the VMS.
- 1932
Triple French racing championship
[1]Terrot won the French 250 cc, 350 cc and 500 cc motorcycle classes.
- 1929
100,000th motorcycle produced
[1]Terrot reached a cumulative production milestone of 100,000 motorcycles.
- 1926
Terrot begins making its own four-stroke engines
[1]The company moved toward greater vertical integration by producing proprietary four-stroke engines.
- 1925
Model E developed into Model F
[1]The 267 cc Model E was developed into a 250 cc motorcycle known as Model F.
- 1921
Model L and Model E introduced
[1]Terrot launched 175 cc and 267 cc two-stroke motorcycles for the postwar market.
- 1905
First twin-cylinder model
[1]The company introduced its first motorcycle with two cylinders.
- 1902
First Terrot motorcycle
[1]Terrot produced its first motorcycle, powered by a 2 bhp Zédel engine.
Products and positioning
Terrot positioned itself as a French industrial manufacturer of practical bicycles and powered two-wheelers, combining a broad engine-size range with military supply, racing capability and affordable lightweight transport. In its later years the brand emphasized mopeds, scooters and lightweight motorcycles for everyday mobility.
Bicycles · 1890
Terrot bicycles
Bicycles were added to the Dijon factory's output in 1890. They established Terrot's presence in personal transportation before the company moved into powered two-wheelers and remained part of the brand's early industrial identity.
Motorcycles · 1902
Terrot motorcycles
Terrot produced motorcycles from 1902, using engines supplied by companies such as Zédel, MAG, Dufeaux, Chater-Lea, JAP and Givaudan before developing its own four-stroke engines. The range covered approximately 173 cc to 498 cc and included single-cylinder, twin-cylinder, two-stroke and four-stroke designs.
Two-stroke motorcycle · 1921
Model L
Introduced in 1921, the 175 cc Model L was part of Terrot's postwar two-stroke range. It represented the company's effort to provide relatively light and accessible motorcycles for civilian transportation.
Two-stroke motorcycle · 1921
Model E
The 267 cc Model E was introduced alongside Model L in 1921. Its design later served as the basis for the 250 cc Model F, illustrating Terrot's incremental development of its lightweight motorcycle range.
Two-stroke motorcycle · 1925
Model F
The 250 cc Model F emerged in 1925 as a development of the earlier 267 cc Model E. It belonged to Terrot's expanding two-stroke family during the company's interwar growth period.
Military sidecar combination
Terrot GT
The GT was a Terrot military sidecar model supplied during the Second World War period. It was associated with engine capacities ranging from 350 cc to 750 cc and formed part of the company's military transport output.
Military sidecar combination
Terrot DT
The DT was another military sidecar range supplied by Terrot during the Second World War. It used engines in the approximately 500 cc to 750 cc range.
Motor scooter · 1951
Terrot VMS
Introduced in 1951, the VMS was Terrot's first motor scooter. It reflected the company's postwar move toward practical, compact and accessible powered transport as scooters, mopeds and lightweight motorcycles became increasingly important.
Brand decisions
1961
End production at the former Terrot factoryOtherBackground
Following Peugeot's takeover, the Dijon manufacturing operation was consolidated or discontinued.
Action taken
Production ended at the former Terrot factory.
Aftermath
Terrot ceased to operate as an active manufacturing brand at its historic Dijon plant.
1958
Peugeot acquisitionM&ABackground
Terrot operated in a motorcycle market undergoing postwar structural and competitive change.
Action taken
Peugeot took over Terrot.
Aftermath
The Terrot business no longer operated as an independent manufacturer, and production at the former Dijon factory ended in 1961.
1951
Launch the VMS scooterProduct launchBackground
Postwar transport demand increasingly favored economical and lightweight vehicles.
Action taken
Terrot introduced the VMS, its first motor scooter.
Aftermath
The company focused more heavily on scooters, mopeds and lightweight motorcycles during the 1950s.
1926
Increase engine manufacturing in-houseStrategyBackground
Terrot had previously used engines from several specialist European suppliers.
Action taken
The company began making its own four-stroke engines.
Aftermath
The move strengthened Terrot's technical independence and supported its broader four-stroke range.
1902
Enter the motorcycle marketProduct launchBackground
After establishing bicycle production, Terrot extended its business into motorized two-wheelers.
Action taken
The Dijon factory produced its first motorcycle, powered by a 2 bhp Zédel engine.
Aftermath
Motorcycles became the central product category associated with the Terrot name.
1887
Establish a Dijon manufacturing branchStrategyBackground
The business expanded from its German industrial base into France during the development of new personal-transport manufacturing.
Action taken
Terrot opened a branch factory in Dijon, which later became the company's principal French production site.
Aftermath
The Dijon operation produced bicycles from 1890 and became the center of Terrot's subsequent motorcycle, scooter and moped manufacturing.
Recent events
- 1961
Production ends at the former Terrot factory[1]
Other
Manufacturing ended at the former Terrot plant in Dijon, concluding the brand's independent industrial production there.
- 1958
Peugeot takes over Terrot[1]
M&A
Peugeot acquired Terrot as the French two-wheeler industry consolidated.
- 1951
Terrot introduces the VMS scooter[1]
Product launch
The VMS became Terrot's first motor scooter and reflected the company's postwar shift toward accessible urban transport.
- 1932
Terrot wins French championships in three motorcycle classes[1]
Other
Terrot won the French 250 cc, 350 cc and 500 cc motorcycle racing championships in the same year.
- 1929
Terrot reaches production of its 100,000th motorcycle[1]
Other
Terrot recorded production of its 100,000th motorcycle, marking the scale reached by its Dijon manufacturing operation.
- 1921
Terrot launches new two-stroke models[1]
Product launch
The company introduced the 175 cc Model L and 267 cc Model E, expanding its postwar lightweight motorcycle range.
- 1915
Terrot begins supplying 500 cc motorcycles to the French Army[1]
Other
Terrot supplied 500 cc motorcycles for French military use during the First World War period.
- 1902
Terrot enters motorcycle production with a Zédel-powered machine[1]
Product launch
The Dijon factory produced its first motorcycle, using a 2 bhp engine supplied by Swiss manufacturer Zédel.
Sources1 sources
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