1938 HOTCHKISS 686 COUPE CHAPRON

Chassis # 80060
Chapron Body Shop
Single model
Same owner for 35 years
French Registration Card

Two crossed cannons surmounted by a grenade in fire, all surrounded by a belt closed in loop, clearly visible on the radiators of the Hotchkiss vehicles, this emblem, copy almost exact of the American military insignia of «the Ordonance Department», is an unambiguous reminder of the origins of the Hotchkiss car brand. The Hotchkiss brand built automotive mechanical parts in 1901. Logically, in 1904, the first 20 HP engine with a four-cylinder engine with side valves was introduced. Then, the range develops with engines that increase in power and this until the First World War. In 1919, Hotchkiss restarted its automotive business and diversified its production of chassis, engines and bodywork to dress the whole. Its wide range and in particular its more economical models always manufactured with quality, will allow it to survive the crisis of 1929. The Hotchkiss brand will also try its hand at motorsport. The victories in the race are tangible proof for the customers of its know-how. It sends its owners a prestigious image, when it wins three consecutive Monte Carlo rallies and other successes in international competitions.
The model presented is a Hotchkiss 686 Coupe Chapron unique in the world. Indeed, to our knowledge, Chapron has only produced a body cut on the basis of 686. It has the 6 cylinders of 3485cm3 developing 110 horsepower. A particularly high power for the time, allowing the luxurious coupe to go more than 130 kilometers per hour! This model is in a very nice condition. Its interior is covered with leather and beautiful woodwork and has a touching patina.

It is therefore an elegant, dynamic and classy French coupe of the 1930s, when Chapron had his car built and was only accessible to an extreme minority of people, all more fortunate than each other. Its current owner took possession of it more than 35 years ago, tired, the car was completely restored in a Lyon restaurant workshop. She was recently invited by the Automobile Club de France, on the Place de la Concorde to represent the French know-how on the occasion of the 120 years of the automobile. It will deserve a small overhaul and a change of tires, to get back on the road. After driving more than 30,000 km, the owner is ready to hand over the steering wheel of this unique car.