Cars from 1878 to 1920 - The forerunners

1906
Code 0205
Body style: two-seat convertible

The Paris-based firm Sage, whose well-built models lived up to its sensible-sounding name, did not just take the approach of a “craftsman” but a genuinely “local” make, offering its customers “à la carte” vehicles. The vehicle exhibited is the last remaining example of the work of this make.

This car was one of Fritz Schlumpf’s favourites, and he had the decoration customised, in the style of a princely plaything.
One of the features of this car is its third rear seat, a design adopted by the Americans in around 1910 – notably the “mother-in-law seat” introduced by Ford on the “Coupelet” model. 
The main advantage of this imposing automobile is its chassis, with the possibility of switching the bodywork between one of three different options, using six special attachment bolts. The coachwork exhibited is the “runabout” version, for summer drives in the country. A chauffeur-driven coupé version with rear doors is displayed next to the car. There was also a cold-weather version, enabling the driver to sit inside.

This model had a four-cylinder dual-block engine with lateral valves built by Mutel, a firm had a reputation for hard-wearing taxi engines. This 15/20 hp engine was coupled to gearbox with three gears, with a very discreet chain-driven transmission system. It is said that Sage offered its customers a semi-automatic gearbox, probably using an electrical system.