French Luxury Motorcycle Maker Midual Returns with a Hand-Built Masterpiece
In a striking announcement from the French company Midual, the automotive world is witnessing the return of a brand dedicated to craftsmanship over sheer performance. After years of silence, Midual has unveiled the Type 1 Series 3, a motorcycle that blurs the line between vehicle and hand-sculpted art, commanding a price of 186,000 euros.
This launch underscores a niche but resilient market for ultra-exclusive, artisanal vehicles, highlighting a different set of industrial and economic priorities focused on heritage and meticulous construction.
A Sculpture on Two Wheels
The Series 3 continues Midual’s tradition of prioritizing aesthetic elegance. Its core is a unique, monocoque aluminum body that functions simultaneously as the chassis, fuel tank, and bodywork. This single piece requires hundreds of hours of manual labor to shape, justifying a significant portion of the motorcycle’s premium price tag. The result is a polished, sculptural object that looks more at home in a gallery than on a city street.
A Proven Market for Exclusivity
Midual’s strategy is not without precedent. The company previously released the limited-edition Quintessence model, priced at 300,000 euros, which sold out immediately. This demonstrates a consistent and enthusiastic market for such high-end, low-volume products. Like its peer Brough Superior, Midual invests in beauty, rarity, and hand-built quality rather than competing on high-speed performance statistics.
Uncompromising Craftsmanship
Production of the Series 3 is strictly limited to just 20 units. Every line, curve, paint finish, and even the single-piece aluminum seat is executed with the precision typically reserved for fine jewelry. Power comes from a 1036cc flat-twin engine, tuned for smooth, relaxed touring rather than track dominance—a design philosophy Midual firmly embraces.
The entire manufacturing process, from initial construction to a mandatory 300-kilometer road test for each unit, takes place in Angers, France. While Midual insists the Series 3 is a fully functional road-going motorcycle, it is anticipated that these exquisite machines will predominantly become prized possessions for discerning collectors.