1923 Amilcar CGS Two Seater

The Amelia Island Auction|7 March 2019, 13:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

1923 Amilcar CGS Two Seater
Chassis no. 7385

1,074cc Side-Valve Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
Approximately 35bhp at 3,800 rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Mechanical Brakes

*Beautifully presented example
*Former Pebble Beach Concours Exhibit
*A delightful miniature Bugatti for small, twisty roads

AMILCAR

One of France's foremost exponents of sporting voiturettes, Amilcar was founded by Andre Morel and engineer Edmond Moyet to build cyclecars with sufficient performance for Morel to realize his dream of competition success. Emile Akar, a Paris businessman, and Joseph Lamy, an executive at cyclecar maker Le Zebre, backed the partners' prototype, which was enthusiastically received. Production of the CC, Amilcar's first model, commenced production in 1921.

Designed by Edmond Moyet, the CC featured Amilcar's own four-cylinder 904cc side-valve engine, a three-speed gearbox, and quarter-elliptic springing, and would develop into the Types CS and 4C. The CC was praised for its excellent, responsive handling and adequate power, attracting a large and loyal following and setting the pattern for future models. It also provided Morel with his desired competition success when he became the 1100cc Class Champion of France in 1922.

The successor Amilcar CGS was by far the marque's most successful model, effectively establishing its reputation worldwide. Production began in 1924 and continued through 1929 with continuous improvement to a design of proven performance and reliability. Mostly fitted with two-seat bodywork (in aluminum at extra cost), the CGS encouraged owners to enter local competitions, in which it proved highly successful. So popular was the Amilcar CGS that it was built under license in Italy, Germany, and Austria, and sold in the USA by no less than Maybach Motors in New York City.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Epitomizing the French sports car of the 1920s, this exquisite Amilcar sports a charming torpedo body with 'boat decking' to its rear, two comfortable passenger seats and an additional one for in its tail.

It is a car that has been known in the collector car community for many years, the seller reporting that it was once part of one of the pioneering collections in this country, that of Harry Resnick of Ellenville, New York. While in that collection it was photographed and encapsulated in its then condition for the series of post cards that Henry Austin Clark had made for sale at his Long Island Auto Museum, as displayed here.

Resnick's collection was eventually disbanded and it seems that the Amilcar remained on the East Coast. It was restored in the mid-2000s and subsequently shown at the famed Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2004. Shortly after this it was acquired by the present owner as part of a design focused collection.

Over the course of the ensuing years its use has been modest, yet it has always been carefully stored and displayed in the owner's home. Offering a delightful snapshot of this era of sporting French motoring and noted provenance, an Amilcar is a rare sight on these shores and this would surely be welcomed at show or touring events.

Saleroom notices

Please note, this vehicle is titled under the model year 1924.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please email us at [email protected]
Click here for a free appraisal and to consign your vehicle.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Please Note the Buyer's Premium for this auction is as follows:
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium. For MOTOR VEHICLE property the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.
For AUTOMOBILIA and other non-motor vehicle property, the premium is 27.5% on the first $3,000 of the bid price, 25% of the amount exceeding $3,000, up to and including $400,000, 20% of the amount exceeding $400,000, up to and including $4,000,000, and 13.9% on any amount exceeding $4,000,000.
For the CHARITY lots 186 through 190, no buyer's premium will be charged.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank, (d) wire transfer or other immediate bank transfer, or (e) Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit or charge card for returning clients only. Please note that only automobilia and/ or charity lots may be paid for by credit card and the amount of cash notes and cash equivalents that can be accepted from a given purchaser may be limited. Credit cards may not be used to pay for motorcar purchases.
Shipping Notices
Los Angeles & New York Auctions
If you have requested a shipping quote, we will send this to you via email within 5 business days of the auction ending.
Please note our shipping quotes are bespoke and require special care and handling from our team and shippers. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. If your purchase is time sensitive, or you wish to explore other options, please see our list of alternative third party shippers in New York and Los Angeles who may be able to assist you.
Oversized Lots
Please note that all lots marked with a W in the catalogue are oversized and subject to additional storage and shipping methods. All additional lots purchased with W lots are considered group lots and will be subject to the same terms as W lots.
W Lots will be transferred to offsite storage at DTD Fine Art Services at the buyer's risk and expense within five (5) business days following the auction. Please contact the Client Services team at [email protected] for the exact movement date.
The per-lot charges levied by DTD Fine Art Services are as follows (plus any applicable sales tax):
FURNITURE/LARGE OBJECTS
Transfer .................. $75
Daily storage........... $10
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
SMALL OBJECTS
Transfer ................. $37.50
Daily storage........... $5
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
Please note property is also subject to a Cross Dock Release Fee ($25 for Smalls and $45 for Furniture and Large Objects) & if charges are paid with a credit card, Door to Door Fine Art Services will charge a 3% Convenience Fee.
If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services team.
Boston & Marlborough Auctions
Please click HERE for detailed collection and shipping information for Boston and Marlborough auctions.
Special Car Dealer Notices
, number VI/1087220/1
- Automobilia
- Cars