Lot details
Registration No: 132 UXM
Chassis No: 0800
Mot Expiry: March 2006

Established in 1921, the well respected Amilcar marque derived its name from those of its two founders M. Akar and M. Lamy (amylkar). Designed by Jules Salomon and Edmond Moyet, its first model, the CC, employed a simple ladder frame chassis with quarter-elliptic springs, rear wheel brakes and a 903cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine. Soon joined by sporting CS and family orientated C4 variants, the resultant range was generally considered competent if a little uninspired. However, the introduction in 1924 of the CGS 'Grand Sport' quickly changed perceptions. Arguably, the sportiest 'voiturette' on the market, it was equipped with front semi-elliptic springs, four-wheel drum brakes and an enlarged 1074cc powerplant. Eclipsed by the arrival of its even faster CGSS 'Grand Sport Surbaisse' sibling two years later, 1926 also saw Amilcar market a pure-blooded racing car, the C6 Course. Heralded as a baby Bugatti Type 35, it was powered by a jewel-like 1100cc dohc six-cylinder unit that developed an impressive 83bhp. Launched in 1928, the M-type (together with its M2, M3 and M4 successors) may have been somewhat less glamorous but it proved vital to the company's survival as the Depression bit into the French economy.
Finished in cream over maroon with biscuit leather upholstery, this particular M3 is described by the vendor as being in very good overall condition (save for the paintwork which is rated as merely good). A desirable two-seater sports-convertible with dickey seat on which "all the original fittings appear present and correct including the steps to the rear seat, hand operated windscreen wiper and electric starter", the present owner also notes that it seems "to have been the subject of a very thorough restoration at some point in the past, although no details are known and it is possible that it has simply been extraordinarily well looked after throughout its life". Recently imported from Belgium, it is now UK registered, taxed and tested. To right-hand drive specification (as was common practice on the Continent pre WW2), its 1240cc four-cylinder engine is mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. Offered for sale with two original handbooks, Amilcars are well catered for by both a British marque register and active French Owners' Club.
PLEASE NOTE: We have not had this vehicle running.