Concept Cars Home
Image Left 1927 Model CGSS
 

1928 Amilcar Model CGSS news, pictures, and information

Boattail Roadster
 
Amilcar was one of the most popular French manufacturers to arise after the devastation of WWI. The company's name was an anagram of its founders, Messrs, Lamy and Akar, who took the design work of Edmond Moyet and brought it to the public.

For the French auto enthusiasts in the 1920s, Bugatti provided the ultimate dream. However, for much less money, an Amilcar provided similar rewards. Amilcar delivered solid handling, stout braking and an exhilarating top speed of 70 MPH. They were indeed sports cars, with all of the livery and exciting characteristics the name implies.

The CHSS (extra low) featured a 1,074cc engine, with pressurized lubrication and a three-speed gearbox. Bodies were provided by independent coachbuilders. Most were boattail roadster, with features added according to the buyer's needs and wallets. They added expressive items such as windshields and papillon (butterfly) fenders. The entire restoration of this car was done by the owner.
Amilcar, built from 1921 through 1937, was one of the most successful and famous sports racer in France prior to World War I. A year after they began producing vehicles, they won the world's first 24-Hour race. From there, their place in history had been secured. They continued to build their reputation in the 1100 cc Class of motor racing. Appearances at the Targa Florio and Mille Miglia continued to prove their agility and speed.

The four-cylinder engine produced around 30 horsepower. Their strength was in their lightweight construction which resulted in around a 1250 pound overall weight. Performance was further enhanced with the four-wheel brakes, while many of their competition preferred brakes on two wheels. To keep constant braking pressure to the front wheels during cornering, Amilcar created a sliding rod inside the kingpin which helped accomplish this feat.

In 1926 a CGSs was introduced, with the additional 'S' representing 'Surbaisse'. Horsepower increased slightly to 35. Other improvements included a cast-aluminum firewall, larger sump, and an increase in brake size.

The Amilcar CGS was produced from 1924 through 1926. The Amilcar CGSs was produced from 1926 through 1929. In total there were around 4700 examples produced.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2006
For more information and related vehicles, click here

Edsel Ford's Speedster Stars at 'The Amelia'
Edsel Ford's 'continental car', a custom boattail speedster, will take its rightful place in the Sports Car Class of the 18th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. In the shape of Edsel's seminal speedster is the genesis of Ford's legendary design department. Edsel Ford was hardly 'a chip off the old block'. The acorn fell well away from the mighty oak that was Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company. Edsel was not just the President of Ford, he was a car guy to his core. His ta...[Read more...]
C6
CGS and CGSS

Image Left 1927 Model CGSS
© 1998-2012. All rights reserved. The material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.