
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 438
1934 Hotchkiss 413 Cabourg Saloon Registration no. HVS 546 Chassis no. 39785
A slump in demand for the products of its Saint-Denis munitions factory prompted Hotchkiss to diversify into motor manufacture in the early 1900s. The company was already a major supplier of components to the automobile industry, and right from the start the famous 'Hotchkiss Drive' (by live axle and open propeller shaft) was a feature of its cars.
Its designation denoting four cylinders and 13CV, the 2.3-litre Hotchkiss 413 was introduced in 1933. This example was purchased new in 1934 by a Mr Fontane, who lived in a smart district of Paris (his nameplate is on the dashboard). Post-war the Hotchkiss was housed in a French museum before coming to the UK in 1991. The engine was then rebuilt and the car took its owner's family to Monte Carlo twice. Subsequently the Hotchkiss was owned by Branislav Sujick, who did very little with it. Described as a 'restoration project', the car was purchased at a UK auction in October 2011 by VSCC member Clive Hamilton-Gould, who rebuilt the engine including a re-bore and high-compression pistons. The current vendor purchased the Hotchkiss in 2018, since when the carburettor has been rebuilt; a new clutch fitted; the front suspension rebuilt with new bearings, kingpins, and bushes: new Hartford shock absorbers fitted to the front axle; and five new tyres fitted (in June 2021). A rare Hotchkiss 413, running well and in very original condition.
Vendor Score Total: 73 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 2
Glass: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 4
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /20
Seats: 3
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 2
Trim: 3
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 17 /20
Starting: 5
Running: 5
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 4
Car History File: 4























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