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1928 Amilcar Model CGSS

Boattail Roadster
Chassis number: 17405A

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 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 roadsters, 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 racers 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. The performance was further enhanced with the four-wheel brakes, while many of their competition preferred brakes on two wheels. To keep constant braking pressure on the front wheels during cornering, Amilcar created a sliding rod inside the kingpin which helped accomplish this feat.

The CGSS model, representing Chassis Grand Sport Surbaissé or Lowered Grand Sport Chassis, received several features that set it apart from the CGS. Horsepower increased to 35, a cast-aluminum firewall was installed, along with a larger sump, and an increase in brake size. It had a cast aluminum canopy with a box-shaped fuel tank, four 260 mm diameter drum brakes, and a 232 cc wheelbase.

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

by Dan Vaughan