Fantasy Junction

Description

1925 Amilcar CGS3 Skiff
s/n 7305 engine no. 60
Burgundy, Aluminum, and Mahogany with Tan Leather Interior

Amilcar was a French company founded in 1921 that manufactured lightweight and economical cars that were reasonably priced but also well-made. Their first model was the CC, whose sub 350kg weight permitted it to lightly taxed as a cycle car, while its fuel efficiency and robust engineering made motoring more accessible to French citizens. The car was quite successful, so a larger version of the car (classed as a voiturette rather than a cycle car) was introduced, the C4, as well as a sporting version called the CS, which was introduced in October of 1923. Featuring sporty bodywork (either boat tail or skiff in style) and larger displacement, the car met with rave reviews from the press, including a Moto-Revue article which gushed over the “remarkable stability, lightning acceleration, perfect braking”. Top speed achieved was 105.26 kph (65.79 mph), while fuel economy was equivalent to 35.3 mpg. The top of the range at the time, however, was the CGS, which at, 19,900 francs (against 14,300 francs for the CS), was costlier, but in the eyes of enthusiastic motorists, worth it. It was faster still with a 115kph top speed, while its weight distribution made for excellent handling, and the addition of front brakes dramatically improved braking performance.

This particular car was in the Vaud region of Switzerland for 60 years, from 1946 to 2006, before being imported to the United States, where it has been in the eccentric collection of an enthusiast in Southern California. In his care, much work has been performed to bring the car to its current excellent running and driving condition. Included in this was renewing of the paint, refinishing of the wood, renewing the nickel plating on the radiator shell, restoring the wheels, replacing the tubes and tires, rebuilding of the gearbox (including the manufacture of all new gears), restoring the fuel tank, flushing and cleaning the radiator, and renewing the leather upholstery. The car was then shown, and won best in class in two events, the Los Angeles Concours and The Art Center Show in Pasadena, California.

The car is consequently in excellent condition. The body is in fine condition, with a lovely bare aluminum bonnet, and nice burgundy paintwork on the fenders. The wood is beautiful throughout, with a durable and attractive finish, and no significant blemishes. Structurally, it has been reinforced with a thin fiberglass mesh inside the wood to provide a stabilizing substrate. The radiator shell is excellent, and the radiator cap incorporates a neatly detailed thermometer. The headlamps are Marchal items and are excellent as well. The wheels are in great shape, having been recently restored. The windscreen is beautifully styled and in lovely shape, and there is a leather-edged tonneau cover for the rear dickie seat.

The interior is excellent as well, with excellent leather upholstery on the front and rear seats. The floor is covered with fine diamond pattern rubber, and the passenger side footrest is a beautifully wrought item bearing the “Amilcar” name. The gauges and instruments are in fine shape, though the owner reports that some of them are not functional. The dashboard is beautiful fiddleback wood and is superb.

The engine is extremely clean and nicely detailed. The head cover is nicely polished, and the wiring employs the correct type cloth insulation. The firewall is beautifully engine turned aluminum. The chassis and suspension are nicely detailed and quite clean, and the car’s overall condition is consistent with its recent success in local shows.

The car runs and drives extremely well. The engine runs well and is well-tuned, while the gearbox works very well following its rebuild. The brakes are quite effective and stop the car in a confidence-inspiring fashion. It steers well, and is well suspended, and overall, the car is an evocative and downright fun car that brings a smile to the face of drivers and passengers alike.

This is an unusual opportunity to acquire a lovely show-ready example of one of Amilcar’s most desirable models. These cars are quite difficult to find, even more so in the United States, and particularly in CGS specification. Beautifully restored, and properly cared for, this example also runs and drives beautifully and is ready to show or drive.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608