c1921 Amilcar Two-Seater Sports

Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: CV 8157
Mot Expiry: None

Formed in 1920 by ex-Le Zebre engineers Edmond Moyet and Andre Morel with financial backing from M. Akar and M. Lamy, the Societe Nouvelle pour l'Automobile Amilcar released its first model later that year. Powered by a Jules Salomon designed long-stroke, monobloc 903cc four-cylinder engine, the new CC adhered closely to existing voiturette practice. Utilising a lightweight ladder frame chassis with all round quarter-elliptic leaf springs and rear wheel drum brakes, it quickly became known for its sprightly performance and nimble handling. Spawning a number of variants including the sporting CS and family orientated C4, it also formed the building block for the marque's legendary CGS 'Grand Sport' and CGSS 'Grand Sport Surbaisse' designs launched in 1924 and 1926 respectively. Relying on far fewer proprietary components than many of their peers, Amilcars were prized for their build quality. Though, competition successes such as winning the Association Amicale des Anciens Motocyclistes Militaires 24-hour Bol d'Or race outright or placing third and fourth in the Automobile Club de L'Ouest's Grand Prix des Cyclecars at Le Mans (both in 1922) helped boost sales as well.
Part of the collection since 1984, this early Amilcar is believed to have begun life as a Type CC or C4. Acquired with a modified / distressed three-seater body, it now carries handsome CGSS-inspired coachwork. However, the resemblance is only skin deep for beneath the myriad louvers, chassis rail covers, staggered seating and neat boat-tail it lacks its illustrious sibling's semi-elliptic front suspension and four wheel drum brakes etc. Finished in French Blue to a high standard, its appearance is further enhanced by the gleaming nickel-plated radiator shell, Bleriot PH1 headlamps and eighteen-inch wire wheels. Boasting engine-turned aluminium plating to its bulkhead and a wooden dashboard with fine inlay, instrumentation includes a Bleriot ammeter together with Jaegar supplied 100km/h speedometer and clock. While for some, the lack of an engine and gearbox will be a drawback, others will no doubt see it as an exciting opportunity for a powerplant upgrade (Riley, Alvis, Meadows etc).
PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been notified by Mr. Van Dijk that this Amilcar's bodywork is a recreation of that which it is believed to have originally worn rather than a CGSS replica. Also, Mr Van Dijk has brought the car's engine and gearbox over from Holland. As such, these will now be offered together with the rest of the car as a single lot (though neither assembly is currently fitted to the vehicle).