Amilcar

Amilcar, a French automobile manufacturer, was founded in 1921 by Joseph Lamy and Emile Akar in Saint-Denis, near Paris. The company quickly established itself in the burgeoning automotive industry by producing lightweight, affordable, and stylish sports cars that appealed to a growing market of young and enthusiastic drivers. Amilcar’s vehicles were known for their agility, speed, and distinctive design, making them popular choices for both road use and competitive racing. One of Amilcar’s most notable early models was the CC, introduced in 1921. The CC was a small, two-seater cyclecar that featured a 903 cc four-cylinder engine. Its success was followed by the CS, which offered improved performance and a larger engine. These early models helped Amilcar build a reputation for producing sporty and economical cars that were accessible to a broad audience. The company’s focus on lightweight construction and efficient design made its cars highly competitive in motorsport events, further boosting its profile. In the mid-1920s, Amilcar introduced the CGS (Grand Sport), a more powerful and refined model that solidified the brand’s position in the sports car market. The CGS featured a 1,074 cc engine and advanced features such as front-wheel brakes, which were relatively rare at the time. The car’s combination of speed, handling, and stylish design made it a favorite among racers and enthusiasts. The CGSS (Surbaissé) followed, with an even lower and more aerodynamic profile, enhancing its performance on the track. In an attempt to diversify, the company produced larger and more conventional models, such as the M series, but these efforts were not enough to sustain profitability. In 1937, Amilcar was acquired by Hotchkiss.