Le fardier de Cugnot: replica of the first automobile

The « Le fardier de Cugnot » association was founded in 2009 to coordinate the construction phase of the fully functional full scale Fardier replica, and to prepare and manage its participation in various events.

The fardier de Cugnot is considered to be the first “AUTO MOBILE” in history since it was the first land vehicle able to propel itself without animal power.         

The project first started in 2007. It was initiated by the municipality of VOID-VACON (MEUSE) in LORRAINE where Nicolas Joseph Cugnot was born. Later to become a military engineer, Cugnot built this military vehicle in 1769 to move cannons or their carriages.

What led to the idea of ​​building a functional replica of the fardier ?

* In 1991 and in 1993 to honour the memory of N.J. Cugnot, Void-Vacon held events on the theme of steam engines. These events proved successful and revealed a strong interest in the illustrious inventor.

* In 2004 to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Cugnot, a great festival called “A Vapeurs” is organised. Fabrice Genisson who was born in the village, built 1/20 scale models of the fardier for the event. The new mayor at the time, André Jannot, jokingly suggested to him that as an ‘Arts et Métiers’ engineer, he could support in building a full scale replica of the fardier. Three years later the project was kicked off!

It was led by the ’ Ecole des Arts et Métiers ParisTech’ with support from the ‘Musée des Arts et Métiers de Paris’. 

By building a full scale functional replica of the fardier, VOID-Vacon intended to prove that the original machine really worked.

This was achieved on September 18th 2010 : the wheels first officially rotated during heritage days.

Attending various public events, the fardier has an educational objective. With it the association aims to promote the historical and cultural dimensions of its region. We hope one day to see an “Espace CUGNOT” in the municipality, where the fardier would be exhibited.

We wish you a pleasant visit and hope to see you regularly since site updates are periodically made.