Lot 1019: 1929 Amilcar CGS Surbaissé Boat-Tail Roadster

One of France’s foremost exponents of sporting vioturettes, Amilcar introduced its first model, the Type CC, in 1921. Designed by Edmond Moyet, the CC featured Amilcar’s own four-cylinder, 904cc, sidevalve engine, a three-speed gearbox and quarter-elliptic springing, and would develop into the Types CS and 4C. The successor Amilcar CGS was by far the marque’s most successful model, effectively establishing its reputation worldwide. Production began in 1924 and continued through 1929 with continuous improvement to a design of proven performance and reliability. Mostly fitted with two-seat bodywork (in aluminium for $125 extra), the CGS encouraged owners to enter local competitions, in which it proved highly successful. In 1926 Amilcar introduced the CGS Surbaissé (under-slung) with a lower chassis and even more powerful engine, now making 40bhp from a displacement of 1,097cc. So popular was the Amilcar CGS that it was built under license in Italy, Germany and Austria, and sold in the USA by no less than Maybach Motors in New York City.

The 1929 Amilcar CGS offered here has two-seater bodywork by Carrosserie Charles Duval, of Boulogne-sur-Seine, a firm well known for its Amilcar roadsters. The previous owner purchased this car from Peter Zobian in Cambria, finding it in excellent condition. It has been nicely restored, retaining its original body panels and engine. The interior leather is new, as are the top and, of course, the tires. It has been displayed at the Concours on Rodeo Drive and at the Santa Barbara Concours where it took second in class behind a famous Figoni & Falaschi Delahaye 165. The previous owner testified to the amazing all-round capability of this car - one that could go on a rally, hill climb or to a concours - and proudly recalled that on receiving the second place award at Santa Barbara, it received more exuberant cheering than the world-class Delahaye!

Fitted with cycle fenders, side-mounted spare tire and Amilcar’s signature X-braced headlights, this is a brilliantly presented and beautiful example of a famous and successful marque.