Amilcar, 1928, CGSS

Amilcar "CGSS", 1928

Founded in 1920 in Saint-Denis, the Amilcar company (an anagram of the names of its founders: Joseph Lamy and Emile Akar) presented its first CC-type car at the Paris Motor Show in 1921. It quickly became a commercial success and made it possible to launch other models. So in 1922, a sportier version with a short chassis appeared, called the CS, and in 1923 the CGS (Grand Sport).
The sportiest and most exclusive Amilcar in production was the CG SS (Châssis Grand Sport Surbaissé) displayed here, it was presented in 1926, and only 984 units were built between 1927 and 1929. The CG SS differed from the CGS for a shorter wheelbase and a more powerful 1,074 cm3 (60x95) engine, which, thanks also to some improvements in the distribution, obtained by slightly reprofiling the camshaft, resulted in an increase in maximum power from 33 to 37 hp. In this way, the car reaches up to 120 km/h speeds. Furthermore, the CG SS could boast a lowered chassis and a slimmer, more streamlined, harmonious, and sporty bodywork. The differences were not limited to this: the CGSS featured a braking system with larger drums and, in the latest versions, a differential and a 4-speed gearbox.
All these features made the CG SS a trendy car with gentleman drivers who entered it in numerous competitions.