1900 Orient Autogo Quadricycle

The Waltham Manufacturing Company of Waltham, MA, one of America's largest bicycle makers, started making powered vehicles under the Orient brand in 1898. They initially concentrated on steam-power but experimented with 2, 3, and 4-wheeled concepts. The motorized tricycle was initially developed in France in the 1890s and became the rage for wealthy Parisian gentlemen. Waltham executive Charles Metz began to produce them in the U.S. as the Orient Autogo.

In 1899, Metz hired Albert Champion, a famous French bicycle racer, to race Orient cycles. Champion worked on improving the engine's 'sparking' plugs and eventually formed the Champion Spark Plug Company. After a dispute with his investors, he moved to Flint, Michigan, and formed the AC (his initials) Spark Plug Company.

The Orient Autogo tricycle sold for $450 with either an Aster or DeDion motor. By removing the front wheel, the $150 Forecar Kit was added, forming a quadricycle that accommodated a passenger.

This Orient was acquired by the current owner in 2005. It has been disassembled and buried in Massachusetts and was a basket case. It has the original 1899 DeDion Bouton 2.25 horsepower engine. The owner spent the next six years researching and restoring this treasure to its current condition. It was one of only three Orients known to exist in the world until a fire destroyed one in Germany in 2011, and it is the only survivor with the Forecar Kit.