Hotchkiss 686 Paris-Nice '39 1939
General description :
Lowered price from €46.950 - €39.950 Hotchkiss cars were made between 1903 and 1955 by the French company Hotchkiss et Cie in Saint-Denis, Paris. The badge for the marque showed a pair of crossed cannons, evoking the company's history as an arms manufacturer. The company's first entry into car making came from orders for engine components such as crankshafts which were supplied to Panhard et Levassor, De Dion-Bouton and other pioneering companies and in 1903 they went on to make complete engines. Encouraged by two major car distributors, Mann & Overton of London and Fournier of Paris, Hotchkiss decided to start making their own range of cars and purchased a Mercedes Simplex for inspiration and Georges Terasse, previously of Mors, was taken on as designer. The first Hotchkiss car, a 17 CV four-cylinder model, appeared in 1903. The engine of the 20 CV type C was heavily based on the Mercedes Simplex except that wherever possible it used ball bearings rather than plain ones (including the crankshaft) and except the Hotchkiss drive. Six-cylinder models, the types L and O followed in 1907. The ball bearing engines lasted until the 30CV type X of 1910. In that same year Hotchkiss moved into a smaller car market with the 2212cc type Z. With the outbreak of World War I, the factory turned to war production and a subsidiary plant was opened in Coventry, England. Car production resumed in France 1919 with the pre war types AD, AD6, AF and AG. After an attempt to enter the luxury market with the AK, which did not get beyond the prototype stage, the company decided on a one model policy and introduced the Coventry designed AM in 1923. Later that year the Coventry plant was sold to Morris. Henry Mann Ainsworth (1884[1]–1971) and A.H. Wilde who had run it, moved to Paris to become general manager and chief engineer of the car division respectively. In 1926 construction of the new factory in the Boulevard Ornano was completed and Hotchkiss bought a steel pressing company allowing in-house manufacture of bodies. The one model policy lasted until 1929 when the six-cylinder AM73 and AM80 models were announced. "73" and "80" stood for the bore of the engines used, a naming theme picked up again later in 1936 after a brief hiatus. The AM models were replaced by a new range in 1933 with a new naming system. The 411 was an 11CV model with four-cylinder engine, the 413 a 13CV four and the 615, 617 and 620 were similar six-cylinder types. The 1936 686, which replaced the 620, was available as the high-performance Grand Sport and 1937 Paris-Nice with twin carburettors and these allowed Hotchkiss to win the Monte Carlo Rally in 1932, 1933, 1934, 1939, 1949 and 1950. The new naming scheme introduced in 1936 consisted of the number of cylinders, followed by the bore of the engine (in millimetres). Hotchkiss merged with Delahaye in 1954 to become Société Hotchkiss-Delahaye, but car production stopped in 1955 to be replaced by licence built Jeeps. In 1956 the company was taken over by Brandt, a household appliance maker, to become Hotchkiss-Brandt, who were again taken over in 1966 by Thomson-Houston. Military vehicles were made until 1967 and trucks until 1971. Specifications Bodywork Length : cm (in): 490 (193) Width : cm (in): 167 (66) Height : cm (in): 167 (66) Wheelbase : cm (in) : 312 (123) Weight: kg (lb) : 1575 (3472) Mechanics Displacement : straight six 3485 cc (213 ci), front-mounted Valve gear : 12 Fuel system : 2 Zenith Stromberg carburettors Gearbox : 4 speed manual Driven wheels : rear wheel drive Maximum power : 105 bhyp at 4000 rpm
http://www.oldtimerfarm.be/en/collection-cars-for-sale/4926/hotchkiss-686-paris-nice-39.php
1939 Hotchkiss 686 Paris-Nice '39 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Aalter by Oldtimerfarm Dealer for €39950.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Hotchkiss Model : 686 Model Version : Paris-Nice '39 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1939 Location : Aalter
Sold
Seller Information
Sold
Other cars listed for sale by this dealer
Bentley S1
99950€
Aalter
Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV
25950€
Aalter
Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Sprint
69950€
Aalter
Austin-Healey 100
89950€
Aalter
Alfa Romeo Giulia
12500€
Aalter
About Hotchkiss
In the glamorous world of European luxury automobiles during the 1930s, one name that deserves recognition is Hotchkiss. This French automaker may not have enjoyed the same level of fame as its contemporaries like Rolls-Royce or Bentley, but it had its own distinct charm and a story worth telling.Founding and Heritage:
Hotchkiss was founded by Benjamin Hotchkiss, an American industrialist who brought his engineering skills to France. The company was established in the late 19th century, initially focusing on military hardware and firearms. This heritage of precision engineering would later become a hallmark of Hotchkiss automobiles.
Entry into the Automotive World:
Hotchkiss entered the automotive industry with a clear vision of producing luxury cars that combined performance and elegance. Their vehicles were known for their advanced engineering and attention to detail. The company quickly gained a reputation for creating high-quality automobiles.
Innovation and Engineering Excellence:
Hotchkiss was not content with just producing luxury cars; they were driven by innovation. In the 1930s, they introduced the AM2, a groundbreaking model that featured an all-steel monocoque body, a rare innovation at the time. This made Hotchkiss cars both lighter and more robust.
Luxury and Performance:
The 1930s was an era where luxury cars were defined by their opulence and powerful engines, and Hotchkiss was no exception. Their vehicles were known for their comfortable interiors, high-quality materials, and a balance of performance and refinement. They often featured straight-six engines that provided both power and smoothness.
Racing Success:
Hotchkiss also had its moment in motorsport. They participated in various racing events, including the Monte Carlo Rally, and achieved notable successes. This racing pedigree added to the allure of the brand.
Challenges and Legacy:
The onset of World War II brought challenges to the luxury automobile industry. Hotchkiss, like many others, faced disruptions in production. After the war, the company struggled to regain its pre-war glory.
Hotchkiss may not be a household name today, but it left a mark on the history of European luxury cars. Its dedication to precision engineering, innovative design, and a commitment to performance and luxury made it a unique player in the competitive automotive landscape of the 1930s. While it may have faded into the annals of automotive history, it's a testament to an era where craftsmanship and elegance ruled the road.