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The History of Amilcar
Amilcar was the name of a French automobile company that produced vehicles from 1921 through 1939. Their first vehicle was actually a cycelcar, designed by Jules Salomon and Edmond Moyet. The next design came in two flavors, a CS version meant for sport and a C4 designed for road driving. Under the hood was a 903 cc engine with side-valve, and splash lubrication, mounted to a manual three speed gearbox.
In 1924, the Amilcar introduced their CGS, GS meaning Grand Sport. This would become their most memorable vehicle. It featured four-wheel brakes and a 1047 cc engine. The CGS eventually turned into the CGSS, meaning 'Grand Sport Surbaissé.'
Their designs and configurations were inspired by racing. Since the early 1920's, the company had been involved in racing, first with a group of supercharged DOCH 1100 cc six-cylinder engines. These vehicles were known as the C8. Unfortunately, the vehicles proved to be unreliable and were quickly abandoned.
By 1937, the company merged with Hotchkiss. A few more models followed, including the front-wheel drive Amilcar Compound. It featured an independent suspension, light alloy body, and a monocoque frame.
With the onset of World War II, production slowed. At the conclusion of the war, the Amilcar Company was no longer producing vehicles.
