BODYWORK: Engine number: 40403. Chassis number: 40185. Registration number: 1515LT92.

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS: Horizontally opposed twin-cylinder, four-stroke engine. Displacement: 594 cc (72 x 73 mm). Transmission: shaft-driven. Gearbox: four-speed. Frame: double cradle tubular steel. Front suspension: telescopic fork. Rear suspension: swinging arm with hydraulic shock absorbers.

HISTORY: Often referred to as “the French BMW”, its story begins in 1945 with the founding of CEMEC (Centre de Montage et de Récupération) in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a company dedicated to rebuilding BMW motorcycles confiscated from German occupation forces after the war. For this reason, its emblem is a modified version of the BMW roundel, incorporating the colours of the French flag. Using German components, CEMEC created a hybrid of the R71 and R75 models known as the R73, until the firm was absorbed in 1954 by Ratier. Under Ratier ownership, the C6S was born, featuring a 600 cc overhead-valve engine producing 32 hp at 6,500 rpm and allowing a top speed of 170 km/h. Production began in July 1960 and ended in December 1962 after only 1,057 units had been built. The principal customer for the C6S was the French Gendarmerie, which used it for traffic patrol and presidential escort duties. This example, chassis number 40185, is among the earliest produced. Restored some years ago, it remains complete and in accordance with factory specifications. With a simple tune-up, it may be ready to run again.