1924 Amilcar CGSS Boat Tail

The Amilcar was a French automobile manufactured from 1921 to 1939. The most famous model of all was the CGS 'Grand Sport' of 1924 which featured a 1,074cc engine and four-wheel brakes. This, in turn, evolved into the more sporty CGSS 'Grand Sport Surbaisse.'

Amilcar introduced its CGSS in the summer of 1926. It was the latest development of its successful line of sports cars, the CGS. The extra S, standing for surbaisse, represented its lowered chassis. It had a revised camshaft, large sump volume, improved steering box, short wheelbase, and larger brakes. Later examples had a four-speed gearbox.

Buyers were given the choice of several different body styles from coupes to the staggered-seat, pointed-tail roadster.

This CGSS is powered by a 1244cc four-cylinder engine and was raced in New England through the 1950s. It was purchased by Gordon Heald in 1965 and raced actively with the VSCCA until it was donated to the Heritage Museum in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in 1995. The car resided in their collection until 2005 when it was sold at auction to the current owner. It was given a complete restoration by D.L. George Coachworks with the intent of returning to racing with the VSCCA. It made its restoration debut at the 2010 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

The Societe' Nouvelle pour l'Automobile was founded in 1920 in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis to 'make sporting voiturettes,' or small cars. Joseph Lamy and Emile Akar provided the money while the engineering came from Andre Morel and Edmond Moyet. Their objective was to provide simplicity, strength, and dependability as well as lightness and economy. They produced their first car in 1921, the Type CC. Its successor, the CGS was introduced in 1924. It was the epitome of the French sports car with a two-seater body, flared fenders, a four-speed gearbox, and a 1100cc 4-cylinder supercharged engine providing 75 mph.

According to the owner, this is one of 948 produced and was raced in New England through the 1950s. It was purchased by Gordon Heald in 1965 and raced actively with the SVCCA until it was donated to the Heritage Museum, Sandwich, Massachusetts in 1995. The car remained in the Museum's collection until 2005 when the current owner purchased it. Its restoration was completed by the owner in 2010 who continues to race the car in VSCCA events.