We go from not featuring a FN in a few months to having two within a few days. Somehow, this AS 24 is even cooler than the vintage FN single featured earlier this week, thanks ot the interesting design and the military functionality.
The AS 24 was introduced in 1960, making this example a first-year build. It was designed for military use from the beginning, which is why it can be dropped from the skies with a parachute, carry several people, and it allows for you to disconnect the steering from the front and reconnect it in the rear, so someone walking behind the rig could still steer it.
Just 460 examples of the AS 24 were built, one of which made its way to the United States for evaluation by the US Army in 1973. Most of these trikes were used by Belgian parachute troops, the most interesting usage of which was their joint effort with the US in Operation Dragon Rouge. Including the driver, this rig could carry 4 riders. It weighted 374 pounds and could carry 770 of cargo. The FN 24 engine (240 cc) produced 15 horsepower, good for a top speed of 60 miles per hour.
This example is claimed to have been used by the Belgian Army and “is one of very few that “is finished in desert-sand yellow color”, as the rigs used for Dragon Rouge were painted in olive-green to blend in with the Congolese jungle. It also comes with a trailer, if you need to carry more than a few guys and rocket launchers. The bike was stored in a climate controlled facility for decades, and the engine was treated with ‘preservation oil.’ It’ll take some work to bring it back to life, but the seller suspects it won’t take much. Find this FN AS 24 for sale in Peer, Belgium with bidding up to $2.25 and the reserve obviously not yet met