The Amilcar was a French automobile manufactured from 1921 to 1939. The most famous model of all was the 1924 Amilcar CGSS “Grand Sport” and featured a 1,074cc engine and four-wheel brakes. This, in turn, evolved into the more sporty CGSS “Grand Sport Surbaisse”.
This CGSS is fitted with a 1,244cc 4-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. Following a complete restoration, it will return to racing with the VSCCA.
Overview
- Production Year: 1924
- Manufacturer: Amilcar
- Class: Sports car
- Body Style: Two-seater roadster
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The CGSS was powered by a 1.1-liter (1074 cc) inline-four engine.
- It produced around 33 horsepower, which was quite adequate for its lightweight construction.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox
- Chassis:
- The CGSS featured a ladder-type frame.
- It had a lowered (surbaissé) chassis, which contributed to its sporty handling and better center of gravity.
- Suspension:
- Front: Semi-elliptic leaf springs.
- Rear: Quarter-elliptic leaf springs.
- Brakes: Mechanical drum brakes on all four wheels.
Performance
- Top Speed: The CGSS could achieve a top speed of approximately 75 mph (120 km/h), which was impressive for its time.
- Acceleration: The car's lightweight design allowed for brisk acceleration, enhancing its appeal as a sporty, nimble vehicle.
Design Features
- Bodywork: The Amilcar CGSS featured a sleek, aerodynamic body with a long bonnet and a short rear deck, typical of the roadster design of the era.
- Interior: The interior was minimalistic, with two bucket seats, a simple dashboard, and essential gauges. It was designed to provide a pure, unadulterated driving experience.
Notable Achievements
- Racing Success: The CGSS was popular in various racing events and hill climbs during the 1920s, thanks to its light weight and agile handling. It was particularly favored in amateur racing circuits.
- Popularity: The car's affordability and performance made it a popular choice among young enthusiasts and racers of the period.
Legacy
- Historic Significance: The Amilcar CGSS is remembered as one of the quintessential small sports cars of the 1920s. It played a significant role in popularizing motorsports among a broader audience.
- Collector's Item: Today, the CGSS is highly prized by collectors for its historical value, charming design, and connection to the early days of sports car racing.
You may purchase a print of the 1924 Amilcar CGSS in our dElegance 2010 online gallery.