Amilcar CGS(S) – 1926
1926 Amilcar CGS(S) – Charles Duval Boattail Roadster
Amilcar was a French automobile manufacturer founded by Joseph Lamy and Émile Akar and based in Saint-Denis, near Paris. The marque produced lightweight sporting and competition cars from 1921 through the 1930s and quickly established an impressive reputation in the fiercely contested 1,100 cc class.
In 1924, Amilcar introduced the CGS, or Châssis Grand Sport, powered by a 1,076 cc four-cylinder engine and fitted with a three-speed gearbox. With a claimed top speed of approximately 75 mph, the CGS combined lightweight construction with genuine sporting performance. Amilcar’s competition successes further strengthened the marque’s reputation, including an important class victory in the 1924 Targa Florio.
Amilcar specialists identify this car, with chassis number 17225, as a CGSS (Châssis Grand Sport Surbaisse) because of its four-speed transmission.
A Remarkable Show-Car History
This particular Amilcar CGS(S) is distinguished by its rare two-seat boattail roadster bodywork, crafted by the renowned Parisian coachbuilder Carrosserie Charles Duval. Charles Duval was a well-known coachbuilder during the period and produced bodies for numerous Amilcar and Bugatti racing cars.
The streamlined shape strongly evokes the Grand Prix racing cars of the era, giving the CGS(S) a particularly sporting character.
This particular car, chassis number 17225, was exhibited at the New York Auto Show in 1926, where it was offered at a price of $1,850 FOB New York. At the time, a top speed of 75 mph was promised for this chassis.
The subsequent history of this Amilcar is equally remarkable. According to its history and oral tradition, the car was used extensively throughout the United States in the years following 1926. At one point in its life it is said to have hung on the wall of a bar, and later, during the war, it was stored in the attic of an antique shop. The car therefore survived the Second World War against considerable odds and, fortunately, was not melted down or donated for scrap for the war effort.
The car was rediscovered in Pennsylvania in 1947 and subsequently remained in North America for many decades.
Return to Europe and Restoration
In the 1990s, the car was acquired and exported back to Europe. By that time, both the bonnet and engine were missing. During this period, the car was owned by and became part of the collection of the Automuseum Deventer in the Netherlands, where it was restored by the knowledgeable collector Tony Paalman. A correct Type ‘G’ engine was sourced and a new bonnet was fabricated.
The Perfect Concours Car
In 1999, the Amilcar was exhibited at the Concours d’Elegance Paleis Het Loo, where it won its class. This was both the last and the only occasion on which the car was exhibited in Europe during this period. It subsequently returned to the United States.
In 2004, the car was acquired by Pebble Beach judge and collector Tim Walker, who purchased it at the Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction. Tim Walker is also known for his ownership of the exceptional 1932 Lancia Dilambda Viotti Phaeton.
He subsequently kept the Amilcar in his personal collection for the next twenty years, continually refining and perfecting the car. He also had the interior restored once again, replacing the green interior that had been fitted in the Netherlands with a higher-quality interior.
Tim Walker subsequently sold the Amilcar to its current owner, who carried out a thorough mechanical refurbishment and ensured that the car was properly prepared for presentation at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Tony Paalman, who had restored the car in the Netherlands, was also present at Pebble Beach and had the opportunity to see the car again after all these years.
After many years in the United States, the car has now returned to Europe. From the Heritage Cars workshop, this exceptional Amilcar will participate in various European events this year.
With its exceptional Charles Duval boattail coachwork, important history as a show car, fascinating transatlantic provenance and documented concours appearances, this Amilcar CGS(S) represents a particularly compelling example of Amilcar’s sporting heritage.
The rare combination of French engineering, fine Parisian coachbuilding and a rich and fascinating history makes this Amilcar an exceptionally interesting proposition for both the discerning collector and the enthusiast of pre-war sports cars.
For further information about this exceptional Amilcar, please contact Geert Kistemaker:
📧 geert@heritagecars.nl | 📞 +31 6 24 27 62 96
