1936 HOTCHKISS 486 CABOURG

The Hotchkiss company, founded by an American in France, originally were armaments manufacturers in the Napoleonic era (Napoleon III not Bonaparte) and later armed France with guns and cannons in the First World War. They also decided to build cars, producing a vehicle as early as 1903. By the 30’s they were building a reasonable priced quality car for the French upper middle class. They couldn’t compete long-term with Peugeot and Citroen and eventually they were bought out by Delahaye in the 50’s. But in their day they had a solid reputation in Europe.

This car was originally owned by a Dutch doctor who used it to make his medical rounds. The car itself isn’t flashy but it has a certain understated elegance that reflects well on its owners. Powered by a four-cylinder 141 cubic inch OHV engine that produces 65 horsepower and is capable of top speeds in the range of 70 mph this car functioned well both around town and out on the highways. It came with a 4 speed manual gearbox with Selective Sliding Synchronized  gears in the top two gears.

Their badge, consisting of two crossed cannons in a circle, reflects their original business.